Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 November 2013
193. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if patients within the cervical check system are covered for all appointments and procedures at a colposcopy clinic; if he will confirm that there are no grounds for patients being requested to provide details of private health insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50942/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraCervicalCheck, the National Cervical Screening Programme, is a Government funded screening programme which is provided free of charge to recipients. CervicalCheck is available to over 1.1 million eligible women aged from 25 to 60 years and it aims to reduce the incidence of, and mortality from, cervical cancer by detecting changes in the cells of the cervix before they become cancerous.
Approximately 5% - 6% of women who attend for a smear test will be called to a colposcopy service for follow-on observation and treatment. No fees are payable by women in relation to screening programme colposcopy clinics. However, some women may opt to pursue treatment privately for these services.
