Vol. 547 No. 1
646 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children the situation regarding the supply of medication to a registered diabetic who is going on a six months visit to his sons in Australia; if the person should be supplied with sufficient medication in advance on production of a doctor's letter and proof of travel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2310/02]
Under the Health Act, 1970, a health board may make arrangements for the supply without charge of drugs, medicines and medical and surgical appliances to persons suffering from a prescribed disease or disability of a permanent or long-term nature. Diabetes mellitus and diabetes insipidus are among the conditions prescribed under the Act. As the operation of this scheme, known as the long-term illness scheme, is primarily a matter for the relevant health board, the person concerned should contact the board directly to make the necessary arrangements.
