Written answers

Thursday, 29 March 2007

Department of Health and Children

General Medical Services Scheme

7:00 pm

Photo of Dan BoyleDan Boyle (Cork South Central, Green Party)
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Question 85: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if the changes in the GMS scheme where prescriptions used to be updated every month and are now updated every three months has made a difference in terms of cost and efficiency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11993/07]

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The repeat prescription facility, whereby prescriptions for certain drugs and medicines require renewal on a three monthly, rather than a monthly, basis, was introduced on 1 March 1991, following discussions with the Irish Medical Organisation and the Irish Pharmaceutical Union. Under this scheme, patients who are stabilized on their medication no longer need to visit their general practitioner every month in order to have their prescriptions renewed.

Changes in GMS prescriptions from monthly to quarterly for suitable patients have created efficiencies for general practitioners and patients, by reducing unnecessary consultations and journeys to the GP and pharmacy. As monthly and repeat prescriptions attract the same dispensing fee, there are no savings for the Health Service Executive in terms of pharmacy fees.

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