Seán Haughey
Ceist:415 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Health and Children if acupuncture is recognised under the medical card scheme and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22093/03]
Written Answers. - General Medical Services Scheme.
The general medical services scheme is a treatment-based scheme which provides for a range of services and the supply of drugs and medicines from an approved list, free of charge to medical card patients. These services are provided by general practitioners, community pharmacists, dentists and other health care professionals who hold contracts with the local health boards. Since acupuncture is, as yet, an unlicensed treatment in Ireland, it is not available under the GMS scheme.