asked the Minister for Health if his attention had been drawn to reports of a survey which shows that patients with chronic kidney failure are suffering financial hardship due to the fact that some of their essential medications are not available to them on the medical card scheme; if he will indicate whether he intends to include kidney failure in the long term illness scheme or arrange special medical cards in respect of these patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Chronic Kidney Failure.
71.
I am aware of the survey referred to and that the survey refers to certain difficulties allegedly encountered by chronic renal failure patients. The particular drugs not available to chronic renal failure patients, holding medical cards, under the GMS scheme comprise almost exclusively the various "over the counter" (OTC) preparations which were removed from the GMS scheme by the then Government in October 1982. As was then indicated, these OTC items are either very cheap or relatively inexpensive to purchase. They do not require a prescription and are available from a range of retail outlets, including pharmaceutical chemists. In those exceptional and rare circumstances, where a medical card patient might suffer hardship in purchasing such OTC items, application can be made to the appropriate health board for the supply of the item(s) concerned free of charge.
There are a small number of patent drugs, used in the treatment of chronic renal failure, which are not available under the GMS scheme. These preparations would generally only be administered in a hospital setting under specialist supervision.
In the light of our current levels of financial resources, any extension of the long term illness scheme cannot realistically be contemplated at the present time. However, I would strong emphasise that substantial subsidies are already available in respect of expenditure in drugs. For those whose income is such that, despite their medical expenses, they do not qualify for a medical card, the cost of drugs refund scheme provides a very significant support. Under this scheme, all expenditure in excess of £28 per month on drugs prescribed for use in that calendar month is fully refunded by health boards. Persons insured with the VHI may also claim for the unrefunded expenditure in accordance with their policy coverage. Furthermore, all unrecouped expenditure over £50 on medical treatment can be claimed as an allowance under the income tax code with certain small exceptions.
In the circumstances, I am satisfied that the level of financial support available is very reasonable having regard to the resources available to this Department and the very wide variety of demands made upon them.