Máirín Quill
Ceist:134 Miss Quill asked the Minister for Health when the health care package in respect of hepatitis C victims will be put in place in all its elements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15029/96]
Vol. 468 No. 4
134 Miss Quill asked the Minister for Health when the health care package in respect of hepatitis C victims will be put in place in all its elements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15029/96]
178 Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn asked the Minister for Health the progress, if any, that has been made with doctors in relation to healthcare requirements for hepatitis C victims. [15403/96]
Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 134 and 178 together.
The purpose of the Health (Amendment) Act 1996 is to provide a statutory basis for the making available without charge of certain services to certain persons who have contracted hepatitis C. Eligible persons are those who have contracted hepatitis C directly or indirectly from the use of human immunoglobulin -anti-D or the receipt within the State of another blood product or a blood transfusion. The services to be provided are: (a) general practitioner medical and surgical services, in realation to all medical conditions, provided by registered medical practitioners (within the meaning of the Medical Practitioners Act, 1978) chosen by the persons; (b) drugs, medicines and medical and surgical appliances; (c) the home nursing service specified in Section 60 of the Health Act of 1970; (d) a home help service as specified in Section 61 of the Health Act of 1970; (e) dental, opthalmic and aural treatment and dental, optical and aural appliances; (f) counselling services in respect of hepatitis C; and (g) such other services as may be prescribed.