Vol. 465 No. 7
58 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health the current drug treatments, if any, available under the general medical service scheme that do not give optimum value for money; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10633/96]
Limerick East): Drug treatments usually form part of an overall care programme prescribed by medical practitioners. It is difficult, therefore, to evaluate the cost effectiveness of particular drug treatments in isolation from the range of other clinical interventions which may be prescribed as part of an overall clinical care plan. Nevertheless, I do accept the need for an evaluation of drug therapy from the point of view of value for money and the Department is currently investigating how this process might be undertaken in an effective manner.
