Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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253. To ask the Minister for Health if a person can access saxenda under a medical card if they have a BMI of above 35 and suffer from hypertension but where the person does not have prediabetic bloods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9291/23]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drug schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.

HSE decisions on which medicines are reimbursed by the taxpayer are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds, on the advice of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE). I, as the Minister for Health, have no role in these decisions.

The HSE considers the NCPE assessment, the outputs from commercial engagements, patient interest group submissions, and any other pertinent information in advance of making a reimbursement decision.

The HSE has approved reimbursement for Liraglutide (Saxenda®) 6 mg/ml solution for injection in pre-filled pen under the community drug schemes from 1st January 2023.

This product is approved for reimbursement on the basis of managed access. Reimbursement under the community drug schemes is for adults prescribed Liraglutide (Saxenda®) 6 mg/ml solution for injection in pre-filled pen as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for weight management, with an initial body mass index of ≥ 35 kg/m2 with prediabetes and high-risk of cardiovascular disease.

The relevant HSE circular (002/23) can be accessed at:

www.hse.ie/eng/staff/pcrs/circulars/pharmacy/pharmacy-circular-002-23-saxenda.pdf.