James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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163. To ask the Minister for Health if the Health Service Executive clinically evaluated the impact of discontinuing access to Camcolit for medical card holders or through community drug schemes and, if so, whether he will publish the evaluation. [13844/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicinal products under the community drug schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.

The HSE has found it necessary to discontinue reimbursing Camcolit under the General Medical Services (medical card) and community schemes, following a request for a very substantial price increase by the marketing authorisation holder for the product.

The HSE's Medicines Management Programme and its Mental Health Directorate are satisfied that patients can be transferred safely to an alternative lithium carbonate product, and the HSE has issued guidance to prescribers and pharmacists on the safe transfer of patients. This guidance was reviewed by clinical pharmacists working in mental health services in the HSE, St John of God's Hospital, and St Patrick's Hospital.

The guidance document will be published on the HSE website in due course.