Robert Molloy
Ceist:52 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for Health if he will have arrangements made for free inhalers to issue to persons suffering from acute asthmatic conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9904/95]
Written Answers. - Free Inhalers.
Limerick East): Persons suffering from acute asthmatic conditions currently have access to required medication including inhalers under a number of different schemes.
The general medical services scheme provides without charge general practitioner services, drugs, medicines and appliances to persons covered by medical cards. Approximately 36 per cent of the population are at present covered by medical cards.
Where an individual or a family is subjected to a significant level of on-going expenditure on medical expenses — general practitioner fees, prescribed drugs etc. — due to a long term medical condition, these expenses may be reckoned in determining eligibility for a medical card. In some cases a medical card may be issued to a family member on a personal basis. Eligibility for a medical card is solely a matter for the chief executive officer of the relevant health board to decide.
Persons who suffer from an on-going medical condition can avail of the Drug Cost Subsidisation Scheme which caters for people who do not have a medical card and are certified as having a long term medical condition such as asthma with a regular and on-going requirement for prescribed drugs and medicines in excess of an amount per month, currently £32.
Persons who qualify for inclusion in this scheme will not have to spend more than £32 in any month on prescribed medication.
Under the Drugs Refund Scheme which covers expenditure by the whole family, any expenditure on prescribed medication above £90 in a calendar quarter is refunded by the health board.
I am satisfied that appropriate and comprehensive treatment and support is being provided to asthma patients through these schemes.