Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 September 2017
26. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health his views on the non-provision of medication, such as the contraceptive pill, in State-funded hospitals that have a religious-based ethos (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40914/17]
View answerThe provision of medication to patients is based on clinical criteria and is a matter for the treating Consultant. Instigation of the oral contraceptive pill for family planning reasons is generally a community based activity. However, while an acute hospital would seldom instigate the combined oral contraceptive pill, I have been informed by the HSE that there may be occasions when prescription of the contraceptive pill may be indicated for specific gynaecological reasons and this should be possible in all state funded hospitals.
