Micheál Martin
Ceist:70 Mr. Martin asked the Minister for Health whether a person (details supplied) in County Cork can be readmitted to the drug subsidisation scheme in view of the medical and family circumstances involved. [13113/96]
Written Answers. - Drug Subsidisation Scheme.
Limerick East): The drug cost subsidiation scheme, DCSS, caters for people who do not have a medical card and are certified by their general practitioner as having a long-term medical condition with a regular and ongoing requirement for prescribed drugs and medicines in excess of £32 per month.
Last year the health boards carried out a review of the community drugs schemes generally. In the case of the DCSS, that review showed there were a considerable number of people who, although holding a DCSS card, had ceased to use it, indicating that they no longer had an ongoing monthly requirement for prescribed medicines in excess of £32 per month in accordance with the terms of the scheme. A subsequent review by the Southern Health Board of drug cost subsidisation scheme in its own area confirmed this position. Accordingly, card holders who did not meet the criterion for eligibility under this scheme were written to by the board and advised that arrangements were being made to cancel their cards. The board wrote to each person concerned, noting this fact, and suggesting that they should contact the board to discuss their present situation.
In the case in question the Southern Health Board indicated that it will consider any representations which the person's parents may wish to make outlining why they consider the card should be retained. The board has confirmed that, in the meantime, the DCSS card will not be cancelled.