Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024
1322. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health the top five procedures which citizens availed of under the treatment purchase fund in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12000/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) was established in 2004 under the Health (Corporate Bodies) Act, 1961, with functions and responsibilities that include the provision of hospital treatment and the collection and validation of information in relation to waiting lists. Its role was extended in 2009 (via the Nursing Home Support Scheme Act, 2009) to provide for negotiations with private nursing homes in the context of fees payable for Fair Deal clients.
In providing hospital treatment the NTPF works with both public hospitals (insourcing) and private hospitals (outsourcing). In order to ensure competitive pricing as part of their outsourcing programme, the NTPF works with private hospitals from a panel agreement and engages in procurement processes through e-tender.
The clinical suitability of the patient to avail of NTPF funded treatment is determined by the public hospital. The availability of capacity for the specific procedure required by the patient is a factor in the selection of treatment provider, as well as the ability and willingness of the patient to travel to another hospital to avail of treatment.
In relation to the particular query raised by the Deputy, the NTPF has provided the attached table which outlines the top five procedures commissioned by the NTPF in each year from 2019 to 2023.
