Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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538. To ask the Minister for Health if the HSE has calculated the additional cost burden on the healthcare system due to an increase in hyperemesis gravidarum patients presenting at emergency services to get an initial cariban prescription from an obstetrician consultant instead of their GP, so that they can claim back the cost of cariban under the new reimbursement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10867/23]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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539. To ask the Minister for Health if his Department will engage directly with an organisation (details supplied), the Irish College of General Practitioners, and other expert bodies on how best to implement the cariban reimbursement scheme in a manner which prioritises and maximises hyperemesis gravidarum patient care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10868/23]

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 to women suffering hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of nausea during pregnancy.

Cariban has been available since the beginning of the year. As of 28 February 2023, 581 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.

Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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540. To ask the Minister for Health if he will outline what the review of the HSE policy on provision of cariban will entail; when it will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10869/23]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.