Question from Deputy Paul Lawless - PQ 46500-26

To ask the Minister for Health the reason a commonly prescribed diuretic water tablet has been removed from the list of medications covered under the medical card and/or drugs payment scheme (The diuretic water tablet brand that was covered: Burinex 1mgTabs. Now it's Bumetanide 1mg Tablets which is not covered); the number of patients affected by this change; whether an impact assessment was carried out in advance of this decision, particularly in relation to patients with chronic conditions and those on low incomes; the alternative medications that are currently reimbursable and clinically equivalent; whether patients can access discretionary approval or hardship supports where no suitable alternative is available; and if she will consider reinstating this medication to the reimbursement list in light of the significant increase in out-of-pocket costs being reported by patients.