Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 27 Feb 2003

Vol. 562 No. 3

Written Answers - Medical Cards.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

176 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the changes which have been taken place in relation to the validation of medical cards; his views on whether this is workable, in view of the fact that some chemists find the validation of medical cards when filling prescriptions very difficult to work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5952/03]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

On foot of a Government decision, my Department directed the General Medical Services (Payments) Board to discontinue the practice of reimbursing invalid or ineligible pharmacy claims. This had been identified by the Comptroller and Auditor General as an issue that needs to be addressed urgently.

In order to implement this decision, the General Medical Services (Payments) Board, in a joint working arrangement with the health boards, is seeking to engage actively and openly with pharmacists as to the best way in which to address this issue on the ground. In cases of genuine difficulty where claimants make an invalid claim or where the claimant's eligibility cannot be identified, it is intended to work closely with all concerned parties to clarify any administrative difficulties surrounding their claims. It is not the intention to permit any individual hardship to arise out of this decision, rather the process is aimed at ensuring that the large number of claims annually which cannot be attributed to a valid GMS or drugs payment scheme entitlement are no longer reimbursed at substantial cost to the taxpayer.

Following a constructive meeting earlier this week between representatives of my Department, the General Medical Services (Payments) Board and the Irish Pharmaceutical Union, it is hoped that the IPU will now agree to work in close co-operation with the board and the health boards in addressing all issues relating to incomplete claims in a manner that minimises inconvenience to individual patients.