asked the Minister for Health if any survey has been carried out into the incidence of disabling arthritic conditions in Ireland, the facilities available for research into these conditions, the actual research being carried out and the rehabilitation service available.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Incidence of Arthritis.
62.
No comprehensive survey of the incidence of disabling arthritic conditions has been carried out in this country. I have asked the Medico-Social Research Board to carry out a continuing hospital inpatient survey and this should provide information in relation to the patients suffering from these conditions who are admitted to hospital. The Medical Research Council provides funds to assist research projects which they regard as being worthy of support and they would be in a position to consider research proposals in relation to arthritic conditions. The Dublin Rheumatism Clinic would also be in a position to provide facilities for worthwhile research in the Dublin area. The Clinic carries out studies as to the effectiveness of new drugs in association with the drug manufacturers but I am not aware of any other specific research proceeding in this country at present. The National Rehabilitation Board in association with the National Medical Rehabilitation Centre in Dún Laoghaire and with the various voluntary organisations working for the disabled has a responsibility for organising the rehabilitation both medical and vocational of those disabled by arthritic conditions. I should, of course, add that a great deal of work in terms of treatment and reactivation is carried on for these patients in the general and orthopaedic hospitals.
Is the Minister aware that quite a considerable number of working days are lost due to these disabling arthritic conditions and research into the problem would save the country a tremendous amount of money?
I am certainly aware of the loss of working days.
Might we assume that the Rheumatism Clinic, which operate under the direct control of the Minister's Department, would consider as part of their functions to keep abreast of current literature on research proceeding abroad into rheumatoid arthritis and allied conditions?
I am sure they do.
Is the Minister aware that sometimes these institutions which we set up start off with a wide spectrum of interest and then in their desire to cure people, allow it to narrow somewhat at the cost of research?
There is a team working in England at the moment and the Clinic are considering having that team over here to carry out a similar survey.
Perhaps the Minister's attention has been drawn to a claim originating in New York or London of a recent rather remarkable breakthrough in the possibility of treating rheumatoid arthritis to which perhaps the attention of the Clinic might be directed for evaluation?
I have not seen it but I will bring the Deputy's remarks to their attention.