Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 October 2021
662. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the cost of the type 2 diabetes cycle of care programme since its inception; the number of persons that currently avail of the programme; the number of general practitioners that provide the programme; if the programme has been evaluated; if an audit of the programme has been completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47998/21]
View answer663. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he is considering extending the type 2 diabetes cycle of care programme to all persons with type 2 diabetes (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47999/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 662 and 663 together.
People who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be entitled to a medical card. In the assessment process, the HSE can take into account medical costs incurred by an individual or a family. People who are not eligible for a medical card may still be able to avail of a GP visit card, which covers the cost of GP consultations.
Diabetes is one of the conditions covered by the Long Term Illness Scheme. Under this scheme, patients with Diabetes can receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness free of charge, whether or not they hold a medical card.
In October 2015, the Diabetes Cycle of Care programme was introduced nationally by the HSE. Under this programme, adult GMS patients, those who hold a medical card or GP visit card, with a diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes are eligible to be managed as part of the programme by their GP.
The 2019 GP Agreement introduced a new Chronic Disease Management programme for GMS patients who have one or more specific chronic diseases, of which Type 2 Diabetes is one. The structured programme commenced in 2020 and is being rolled out to all adult GMS patients over four years (2020 to 2023). This year the programme has been rolled out to those aged 65 years and over. The Chronic Disease Management programme will replace the Diabetes Cycle of Care programme as it is rolled out.
As the specific issues raised are service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
