I propose taking Questions Nos. 5, 39, 65 and 75 together.
The drugs refund scheme, which provides for a refund of any expenditure on prescribed drugs and medicines in excess of a specified amount over a prescribed period, was amended with effect from 1 August 1991. Under the amended scheme the prescribed periods for expenditure are the quarterly periods commencing 1 January, 1 April, 1 July or 1 October each year. A refund will be made in respect of any expenditure in excess of £90 over the course of any of these periods.
I should emphasise to Deputies that the drugs refund scheme is one of a range of drug schemes which benefit the population as a whole. In addition to this scheme, other drug schemes, designed to meet specific needs, are in operation as follows.
The continued operation of the drug cost subsidisation scheme, which I introduced last year, ensures that persons who are certified as having a long term medical condition with a regular and ongoing requirement for drugs and medicines in excess of £32 per month are not required to pay more than £32 in any month for their drugs and medicines. They pay that amount to the pharmacist who claims the balance from the GMS (Payments) Board.
Under the medical card scheme any person who is deemed by the chief executive officer of a health board to be eligible for a medical card continues to receive all drugs, medicines and medical and surgical appliances without charge as heretofore. Over 1.2 million people, almost 35 per cent of the population, are covered in this way.
Under the long term illness scheme persons suffering from a specified long term medical illness obtain without charge drugs and medicines for the treatment of their condition.
I would point out that the changes were only introduced to the drugs refund scheme in August 1991 and, accordingly, it is too early as yet to judge their full impact. I will, of course, be closely monitoring the operations of all drug schemes to ensure that particular hardship is not caused to any individual or family. In this regard I would stress that the chief executive officer of a health board is empowered to grant a medical card on grounds of hardship.
Deputy R. Bruton rose.