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Gnáthamharc

Drugs Payment Scheme.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2004

Wednesday, 29 September 2004

Ceisteanna (663)

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

841 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has considered including cilostazol on the GMS scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21959/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

There is a common list of reimbursable medicines for the general medical services and drug payment schemes. This list ensures equity between the schemes in relation to the range of medicines paid for by the State. The list is reviewed and amended monthly, as new products become available and deletions are notified.

For an item to be included on the common list, it must comply with a published list of criteria. These include authorisation status where appropriate, price and, in certain cases, the intended use of the product. In addition, the product should ordinarily be supplied to the public only by medical prescription and should not be advertised or promoted to the public. It is a matter for the manufacturer of a particular drug or medicine to apply to my Department to have its product included in the common list.

A medical cardholder who experiences financial difficulty in obtaining items not on the common list should approach the health board for assistance.

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