Vol. 475 No. 1
40 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Health the cost of prescription drugs in each of the years from 1994 to 1996; his views regarding over-the-counter remedies towards this cost; and the new arrangements, if any he has made with the IPHA recently. [4296/97]
Limerick East): The cost of prescription drugs reimbursed under the General Medical Services scheme, the drug cost subsidisation scheme, the long-term illness scheme and the drugs refund scheme is: 1994, £194.22 million; 1995, £215.89 million; and 1996 £235.06 million. These costs are inclusive of the ingredient cost, fees paid to pharmacists and value added tax.
The legislative basis for all these schemes is section 59 of the Health Act, 1970 which provides for reimbursement, either in whole or in part, towards the cost of drugs, medicines or surgical appliances which are prescribed by a registered medical pracitioner. Accordingly, the cost of medicines including those available over-the-counter (OTC), are reimbursable when prescribed by a doctor. The question of the prescribing of OTC medicines is essentially a matter for the individual doctor who has the duty and obligation to provide the most appropriate management for each patient.
