The Health Service Executive (HSE) has been advised that funding up to a level of €55 million is available to cover the projected costs associated with H1N1 in 2009.
The Executive is working with the Department of Health (DOH) in assessing the emerging costs associated with the national response to the pandemic.
According to the latest Performance Report, presented to the HSE Board last week (November 12), the net additional cost of responding to the pandemic will be considered by way of a supplementary estimate, and will therefore not require any amendment to the HSE service plan.
The primary costs identified to date are those flagged previously relating to purchase of vaccine. Some €88 million has been earmarked for purchasing the two pandemic vaccines, which will continue to be delivered into the country over the next six months.
A small group has been formed to specifically address the financial aspects of pandemic planning and will report to the National Public Health Emergency Team, chaired by DOH Secretary General Michael Scanlan.
About Greg Baxter
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