asked the Minister for Health in view of the critical medical condition of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8 and the cost involved, if a medical card will be issued to relieve the situation.
Written Answers. - Medical Card Eligibility.
207.
The question of determining eligibility for a medical card in individual cases is the responsibility of the chief executive officer of the appropriate health board. Accordingly in this instance, the Deputy's question has been referred to the chief executive officer, Eastern Health Board, with a request that he examine the matter and reply directly to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.
Meanwhile, the individual concerned may, of course, avail of the drugs refund scheme which allows for the reimbursement of expenditure in excess of £28 on prescribed drugs and medicines for use in any given calendar month.
208.
asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the basis on which medical cards were awarded as of right to thalidomide victims; whether the intention was that this would be present policy with regard to the provision of medical cards for thalidomide victims.
In May 1973, in view of the expense involved in having children affected by thalidomide treated medically the Government decided to take all steps necessary to ensure that the treatment of such children would be available free of charge. Towards this end, the chief executive officers of the health boards agreed to grant full eligibility under the Health Acts to all thalidomide children, irrespective of family income, and medical cards were issued to each person accordingly. This policy has not changed nor do I propose to change it.