Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 July 2021
446. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if toilax has been withdrawn for use in Ireland; if there is a supply issue given that it is essential in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33070/21]
View answerThe HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicinal products under the community drug schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. The HSE maintains a Reimbursement List of medicinal products that are provided under the General Medical Services Scheme or the Drugs Payment Scheme. These products are approved for the schemes by the HSE.
The HSE have advised that Toilax is not on the Reimbursement List. However, the product has been approved on an individual patient basis through Discretionary Hardship Arrangements.
Pharmacies have recently been unable to source the product as it is now discontinued. Therefore, the HSE has approved alternative therapies prescribed for patients through these arrangements.
