Dáil Éireann - Volume 408 - 23 May, 1991

Written Answers. - Drugs Refund Scheme.

Miss Flaherty Miss Flaherty

77. Miss Flaherty asked the Minister for Health the number of people who were in receipt of the drugs refund scheme prior to the withdrawal of the VHI; the amount involved in the last full year of its operation; and whether he has any plans to compensate those involved for the substantial weekly income losses as a result.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Hanlon) Rory O'Hanlon

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Hanlon): In the last full year in which it operated a total of 66,600 claims were paid under the out-patient scheme, the drugs element of which amounted to approximately £7 million.

The Deputy will be aware that assistance is available under the drug cost subsidisation scheme which I introduced in September 1990 which ensures that all persons who do not have a medical card or long term illness book and are certified as having a long term medical condition with regular and ongoing requirements for prescribed medicines, will not have to pay more than £32 per month to the pharmacist. I would like to point out that in addition the health boards give special consideration to persons who suffer undue hardship as a result of exceptional drug costs.

Dáil Éireann 408 Written Answers. Drugs Refund Scheme.

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