Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 22 Mar 1994

Vol. 440 No. 4

Written Answers. - Recognition of Herbal Remedies.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

349 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health his views on whether herbal remedies should be available under the medical card or VHI scheme; and his views on whether more general recognition of such treatments is desirable within the health services.

Minister for Health (Mr. Howlin)

Medicinal products included in the General Medical Services Scheme must conform to certain published criteria. One of the criteria is that the product must be an "allopathic" medicinal product which is the subject of a current product authorisation granted by the Minister for Health. The granting of such an authorisation indicates that the National Drugs Advisory Board is satisfied as to the quality, safety and efficacy of the product concerned.

There is a wide range of alternative medicines available in respect of which quality, safety and efficacy has not been established. The Deputy will appreciate that the question of financial provision towards subsidising the cost of such treatment could not be justified.

In regard to VHI cover the position is that the level and type of such cover is in the first instance a matter for the VHI Board. At present VHI cover is not available in respect of such alternative therapies as the board consider that available resources should be directed towards the provision of insurance cover for the high and unforeseeable costs of conventional medicine used in the treatment of acute illnesses. Any extension of VHI cover would have implications for the financing of the Board, including the level of premium payments required from members.