Cut Viagra access to save HSE cash, says councillor

A senior member of the HSE West Forum has urged dampening the sex life of couples on medical cards in order to addressing the HSE’s €500m shortfall for the year.

Cllr Brian Meaney (Green) made the call yesterday after HSE figures showed that, in one year, the spend on Viagra and similar erectile dysfunction drugs increased by 13% in the HSE West area, which stretches from Donegal to Limerick.

The figures for 2010 — the latest detailed data available — show that, through the medical card system, patients spent €1.42m — an increase on the €1.2m spent on the drugs in 2009.