Waterford cath lab delivery
Deputy Shanahan criticised delays to the Waterford cath lab and argued the State should expedite drug reimbursement and health investment decisions. The Minister focused on the cath lab, outlining completed planning steps and promising to press for a shorter timeframe.
The programme for Government outlines that the Government wishes to establish a national medicines agency to set a fair price for drug reimbursement. I can tell the Minister that that process is not working. I am aware of applications for drug reimbursement which would save the State millions but which are not being approved because headline discounts of up to 50% are required. No cost-benefit analysis is being conducted with regard to the possible future impact on patients. I ask the Government to give consideration to that issue.
The programme for Government commits to the provision of a catheterisation laboratory in Waterford. Yesterday, I asked the Taoiseach why there is a four-month procurement process to approve an approval.
The funding has been ring-fenced for almost 18 months and yet we are talking about entering a four-month procurement process on a project that should have started.
Can I also confirm that yesterday, in the House, the Taoiseach advised that there was diagnostic angiogram activity going on through a service-level agreement, SLA, in Waterford with the Whitfield Hospital? That is not the case. We have been delaying 30 diagnostic angiograms a week at University Hospital Waterford since February. I ask that the Government review this.
Comment on this
On the Waterford cath lab, which is critically important for the region, it was unfortunate that there were delays due to Covid-19 but it is intended that the project will now go to tender. The HSE advises that funding was allocated in the 2019 capital plan, as the Deputy said. The fire certificate was granted in June of this year. The disability access certificate was granted in April of this year. Preparation of contract documentation has commenced and the contract selection is complete subject to a cooling off period. As to why there is that four-month period, it is deeply frustrating in our State and, unfortunately, I have seen it in so many different areas. I suppose the only, best and honest answer is we conduct procurement to the dotting of i's and crossing of t's properly so that there is never any question and that it is safe from any legal challenge.
Comment on this
I am sure the Deputy would not be alone among the Deputies from Waterford in asking that it would be expedited. I will certainly pass that on and try and make sure that the timeframe shortened as best we can.