asked the Minister for Health if he will state in respect of a recent year the estimated cost of drugs and medicines purchased for (a) local authority hospitals, (b) health clinics and (c) dispensaries.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cost of Drugs and Medicines.
The cost of drugs and medicines in respect of the year ended 31st March, 1957, was £319,000 for local authority hospitals and health clinics (including £55,000 for mental hospitals). Separate figures are not available for health clinics as distinct from hospitals.
The cost of drugs, medicines and appliances in respect of that year for dispensaries was £176,000. Separate figures for appliances are not available but the amount is relatively insignificant.