Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 October 2019
195. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a petition regarding stage 3 melanoma (details supplied); the actions he plans to take regarding the points raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44048/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra197. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to an inequitable situation which has arisen between public and private patients in respect of the treatment of patients with stage 3 melanoma by a company (details supplied) which has sanctioned the use of immunotherapy for its customers, which has been proven to be successful to prevent the cancer recurring in stage 3 patients; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that this treatment is unavailable to public patients who have stage 3 melanoma despite his pronouncement earlier in 2019 that patients in public hospitals are not treated in a different way regardless of whether they have private health insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44053/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 195 and 197 together.
A standard process is in place for the HSE reimbursement of new drugs, and new indications for existing drugs. This assessment process is intended to arrive at decisions on the funding of drugs that are clinically appropriate, fair, consistent and sustainable. All cancer drugs which have been approved for reimbursement since 2012 have gone through this process.
Nivolumab (Opdivo) is approved by the HSE for reimbursement through the Oncology Drugs Management System for the following melanoma indications;
- As monotherapy for the treatment of advanced (unresectable or metastatic) melanoma in adults.
- In combination with ipilimumab is indicated for the treatment of advanced (unresectable or metastatic) melanoma in adults.
The HSE is considering an application received for reimbursement of Nivolumab (Opdivo) for the following indication (stage 3 Melanoma Cancer patients):
- As monotherapy for the adjuvant treatment of adults with melanoma with involvement of lymph nodes or metastatic disease who have undergone complete resection.
Meanwhile, I am not in a position to comment on the business decisions of a private health insurer on the medicines covered under their schemes.
