Gino Kenny (Dublin Mid West, People Before Profit Alliance) | Oireachtas source

The withdrawal of Versatis patches from the drugs payment scheme and the medical card has been a debacle. Somebody should put his or her hand up and say that he or she has got it very wrong. Those who benefit from the patches, numbering tens of thousands, are being denied this medication that gives them relief. I know the HSE has said it is based on clinical grounds but most people listening in or who have been on radio or television think it is a monetary decision. A number of people contacted our office about this, and to say they are distraught is an understatement. They are going through life with a condition that has chosen them. They have not chosen the condition of chronic pain or neuropathic pain. The patches give them some sort of relief. The decision by the HSE has put those people outside of the reach of these patches. The HSE might save money in the short term but it will cost the HSE much more money in the long term and hardship, particularly for the people benefitting. I know the Minister remarked this morning that a radio station should not make decisions. I think that is a flippant remark and I do not know if the Minister meant anything by it. I know clinicians make these decisions but I ask for the HSE to repeal this decision.

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