Catherine Murphy
Question:1544. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he plans to add a medicine (details supplied) to the schedule of items covered by the long-term illness card. [15015/24]
View answerTuesday, 9 April 2024
Questions (1544)
Written answers
The Health Service Executive (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. Reimbursement is for licensed indications which have been granted market authorisation by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) or the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA).
In line with the 2013 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. 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.
Ozempic® (Semaglutide) is indicated for the treatment of adults with insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes as an adjunct to diet and exercise. Ozempic® (Semaglutide) is not licensed or reimbursed for the treatment of weight management in a non-diabetic population.
Therefore, reimbursement support for Ozempic® (Semaglutide) for the licensed indication only is available to those with eligibility under the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme or the Long-Term Illness (LTI) Scheme. Ozempic® (Semaglutide) is not available on the Drugs Payment Scheme.