Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
1636. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Health if his Department is currently considering including Saxenda (which is now recognised as a valuable medication in the treatment of obesity) to the drugs payment scheme for non-diabetic patients; if there are currently any plans to widen the prescription basis of Saxenda to medical card holders with a BMI over 35 as a preventative medicine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37811/23]
View answer1638. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Health the consideration his Department is giving to the inclusion of the drug Saxenda in the treatment of obesity in the drugs payment scheme for non-diabetic patients; if he plans to widen the prescription of Saxenda to medical card holders with a BMI of greater than 35 as a preventative medicine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37840/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1636 and 1638 together.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for medicine pricing and reimbursement decisions, in accordance with the provisions of the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
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). I, as the Minister for Health, have no role in these decisions.
Liraglutide (Saxenda®) has been made available for reimbursement support under the community drug schemes on a managed access basis since 1st January 2023.
The HSE Medicines Management Programme (MMP) developed a Managed Access Protocol (MAP) for liraglutide (Saxenda®). This MAP outlines the criteria that must be satisfied in order for a patient to be recommended for reimbursement of liraglutide (Saxenda®).
The relevant circular can be accessed at: www.hse.ie/eng/staff/pcrs/circulars/pharmacy/pharmacy-circular-002-23-saxenda.pdf
Further information is available on the MMP website at: www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/cspd/medicines-management/managed-access-protocols/liraglutide-saxenda-/liraglutide-saxenda.html
The HSE have advised that MAPs are used to identify patients or subgroups of patients who would most benefit from the specific treatment approved for reimbursement and for whom the clinical evidence of therapeutic benefit is strongest, and applications are reviewed by the MMP on a case-by-case basis.
