Helen Keogh
Ceist:79 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for Health if he will fund in vitro fertilisation (IVF) under the GMS payments scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18167/95]
Written Answers. - IVF Funding.
, Limerick East): The GMS scheme provides for free general practitioner services and free prescribed medicines to all medical card holders in a community setting as distinct from a hospital setting.
In-vitro fertilisation (IVF) has become an established means of assisting couples who are otherwise unable to conceive to have a family. This service is hospital based and is currently available in Ireland through the human assisted reproduction unit at the Rotunda Hospital, Dublin and at University College Hospital, Galway. In addition, arrangements to provide an IVF service are currently in train at Cork University Hospital.
The unit at the Rotunda Hospital provides the service free to all medical card holders and at University College Hospital, Galway the service is provided at a reduced cost. Medical card patients attending at each of these centres receive their necessary medication free of charge as the patients' health board meets the total cost of the drugs and medicines involved.