Jack Wall
Ceist:62 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will extend or amend the drug budgeting scheme; and if he has satisfied himself with the current operation of the scheme. [19840/97]
Written Answers. - Prescribed Drugs.
With the aim of ensuring equity in its operation, the indicative drug target (IDT) scheme has undergone a number of modifications since its inception, for example, to take account of matters such as changes in the structure of a doctor's patient panel and cases where patients due to the nature of their illness, incur higher than normal prescribing costs. In this regard, discussions are currently under way between the Department, the health boards and the Irish Medical Organisation with a view to introducing some further refinements in the scheme for 1998. I expect these discussions to be completed within the next few weeks.
The scheme has been the subject of an independent review by a group under the chairmanship of Professor Michael Murphy, Professor of Clinical Pharmacology, University College Cork. The recommendations in that report, particularly in regard to the measurement of the quality of care and the greater involvement of patients will be taken on board in the further development of the scheme.
Overall, I am satisfied with the success of the IDT scheme. Most doctors are now achieving more rational and cost-effective prescribing. The average annual rise in the General Medical Services drug costs has fallen to approximately 6 per cent compared to 10 per cent prior to the inception of the scheme. This containment in costs is in no small way directly related to the impact of the IDT scheme and the achievement of more effective prescribing by doctors. Arising from savings made under the scheme, significant resources have been provided for the development of general practice which, in turn, has resulted in a more comprehensive and better quality service for patients. It is important to point out that the IDT scheme does not provide the general practitioner with a personal remunerative advantage, rather it provides a means for investment in facilities, equipment and services in his-her own practice in the first instance and for other practices in the health board's area. Such investment is to the advantage of all patients.
Agreement in principle has been reached with the Irish Medical Organisation to co-operate in developing initiatives aimed at achieving more cost effective prescribing under the community drug schemes. However, further analysis of prescribing under these schemes is required before detailed discussions can commence on the format of any initiatives in this area.