Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 16 May 1991

Vol. 408 No. 6

Written Answers. - Drugs Cost Subsidisation Scheme.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

82 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who have been certified as having long term medical conditions under the new provisions of the drug cost subsidisation scheme introduced in September 1990; and if he will outline the main medical conditions of patients who have been accepted under this scheme.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Hanlon)

On 31 March 1991, 14,645 people were covered by the drug cost subsidisation scheme. The criteria for inclusion in the scheme is that a patient has a medically certified continuous monthly requirement for medication for the treatment of a long term condition, costing in excess of £32 per month.

As medical condition is not a criterion for inclusion in this scheme, information is not available on the main medical conditions of patients in the scheme.