Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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682. To ask the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 211 of 22 February 2023, if he will meet with a group (details supplied) at his earliest convenience; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10255/23]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Dedicated funding of €1.3m was provided in Budget 2023 to provide reimbursement support for Cariban, for women suffering hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of nausea during pregnancy.

Cariban has been available since the beginning of the year. As of 24 February 2023, 530 women have been approved for the product.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for medicine reimbursement decisions under the community drugs schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.

Because Cariban is an unlicensed product, and cannot be added to the reimbursement list, the HSE put in place an exceptional arrangement which requires that the initial prescriber of Cariban must be a consultant. Of course, the HSE will thereafter accept GP prescriptions for approved patients.

However, as I recognise that women suffering hyperemesis gravidarum may need access to Cariban before their first consultation with their specialist/obstetrician, and in light of the fact that GPs already prescribe it without an initial prescription from a specialist, I have asked that the HSE review the current arrangement and to report back to me.

I will consider the Deputy's request when the results of that review are available.