Vol. 510 No. 5
10 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children the additional funding, if any, he will provide for DEXA scanners, essential for diagnosis of osteoporosis, of which there are only 12 in the country, in view of the fact that women over 50 have a one in two chance of developing the condition; if he will subvent the cost of a scan, which stands at between £50 and £60; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22847/99]
I am committed to a policy of providing improved hospital facilities and services to patients and in this regard I have provided significant capital funding in recent years to health agencies for priority replacement medical equipment. I expect this to be a feature of future health agency funding.
The diagnosis of osteoporosis is facilitated by bone density measurement which is undertaken by X-ray using DEXA or CT scanners. The DEXA scanner is not essential for the diagnosis of osteoporosis although there are a number in use throughout the acute public hospital system. The main method used is the CT scanner. The Deputy will appreciate, however, that it is a matter for clinical judgment as to which method provides the best diagnosis and for individual health agencies to prioritise their equipment requirements in the light of their service needs.
There are no charges levied for public patients for DEXA or CT scans in public health facilities. Charges in the order referred to by the Deputy arise in situations where private facilities are availed of by public patients and I have no plans to introduce a system of subvention for such patients.
Is the Minister aware of the extent and seriousness of this condition? Is he aware, for example, that one in four Irish women over 50 years of age are affected by osteoporosis and, due to the fractures that result from the condition, it is considered the leading cause of death among elderly women? Is he satisfied and can he guarantee that every woman who needs a scan can avail of the facility without payment if she is a GMS patient or a pensioner? This will be news for medical practitioners and organisations who are concerned with osteoporosis. Will the Minister give such a commitment?
No charges are levied on public patients for DEXA or CT scans in public health facilities, but that is not the case in private health facilities. It is due in part to the ageing of the population that osteoporosis is becoming increasingly prevalent in our society. It is an important women's health issue. It is characterised by low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue, resulting in increased fractures and a consequent increase in mortality and morbidity. The early detection of osteoporosis and recent developments in a number of areas of treatment can substantially reduce fracture events and the cost of medical care.
An effective clinical osteoporosis service involves a multidisciplinary team of health professionals offering the patient a range of skills, including clinical expertise, diagnostic services, advice on nutrition or exercise and coping with osteoporosis at home and help in regaining mobility and independence following a fracture. It should be noted that the Department has no applications from hospitals for capital grants for the purchase of DEXA scanners at present, although there are some in the system. The need for equipment in this area will be determined by the health planners and agencies concerned.
It is not helpful for the Minister to simply read out answers when the question is simple. The screening procedures and facilities for women over 50 who require them is the issue with which I am concerned. Everybody knows osteoporosis can be treated. It is treatable, preventable and even reversible, yet many women suffer from osteoporosis and their disease even goes undetected. The Minister must be aware that the scan is not available as a matter of course for all women over 50 years who need it and who could thereby prevent the condition.
I am sorry if the Deputy believes I am not answering her question. The first part of the question asked if additional funding will be provided for DEXA scanners, which she claims are essential for diagnosis of osteoporosis. I stated that there are other scanners, CT scanners, which are equally capable of providing diagnosis of osteoporosis and we have many of them. I have no proposals for additional funding since I have received no requests for it.
The second part of the question asked if I would subvent the cost of a scan which costs between £50 and £60. I said that will not be done in relation to private facilities. I have also made a statement on the matter.
On World Osteoporosis Day the Irish Osteoporosis Society called for more DEXA scanners for early diagnosis. The Minister is not correct in saying he has not received requests or appeals from the public or from hospitals.
I said in my reply that it is a matter of clinical judgment as to which method provides the best diagnosis and that it is for individual health agencies to prioritise their equipment requirements in light of their service needs. I do not have such requests at present.
The Minister has no say.
The fact that an advocacy group which has an interest in osteoporosis has that opinion does not surprise me. However, I am giving the Deputy the factual position that no health agency has sought money from me for the provision of a DEXA scanner. It is not correct to state that it is the only scanner that can deal with the problem.
The Minister has no policy on it. He just signs the cheques.
