Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 April 2022
1728. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health if all medically prescribed medications and supplements used in the treatment of Lyme disease and co-infections will be covered by the GMS and drug payment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20769/22]
View answerThe HSE has statutory responsibility for medicine pricing and reimbursement decisions, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
In line with the 2013 Health Act and the national framework agreed with industry, a company must submit an application to the HSE to have a new medicine added to the reimbursement list. Reimbursement is for licenced indications which have been granted market authorisation by the European Medicines Agency or the Health Products Regulatory Authority.
In making a relevant reimbursement decision, the HSE is required under the Act to have regard to a number of criteria including efficacy, the health needs of the public, cost effectiveness and potential or actual budget impact. HSE decisions on which medicines are reimbursed by the taxpayer are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds, on the advice of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE). The Minister for Health has no role in these decisions.
As part of this question relates to a service matter, I have also asked the HSE to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
