Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 September 2021
743. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health if the diabetes care instrument FreeStyle Libre system will be considered for supply through the GMS medical card to patients who need it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44055/21]
View answerThe HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drug schemes, in accordance with the provisions of the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
Consultant Endocrinologists/Diabetes Nurse Specialists may apply to the HSE, on behalf of specific patients, for reimbursement support for FreeStyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring (FGM) sensors. This includes those persons with eligibility under community drug schemes (such as those with medical card eligibility and those with Long Term Illness eligibility). The application process is undertaken by means of a dedicated online portal, which has been operational since 3rd April 2018.
In line with the recommendations outlined by the Health Technology Assessment Group, access to this product was made available to children and young adults (4 -21 years). However, the application process does cater for the Consultant to make an application in very exceptional circumstances for a type 1 diabetic patient outside of this group.
