Vol. 527 No. 1
106 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will give a list of the approved items which can be provided under prescription to medical card holders; if the list includes iodine tablets, herbal capsules and hard neck collars. [27912/00]
The list of drugs, medicines and appliances available to GMS patients, as specified in the current GMS code book, including all updates, and with some additions, forms the common list of items for both the GMS and the drugs payment scheme. I am arranging to have a copy of this list forwarded to the Deputy.
In order for any item to be included in the common medicines list it must comply with certain published criteria. One of these criteria is that the product must be the subject of a current product authorisation from the Irish Medicines Board with regard to the quality, safety and efficacy of the product. As there are no authorised versions of the products to which the Deputy refers available on the market they are not included in the list of reimbursable items.
The provision of dressings and certain aids and appliances such as neck collars to medical card holders is a matter for the relevant health board or hospital.
