A top cancer specialist has described the decision not to make a new vaccine against cervical cancer available to women on the medical card scheme as 'ethically dubious' and nonsensical on financial grounds.
Dr John Crown, consultant medical oncologist at St Vincent's University Hospital, said he feared that the decision was being taken on the basis of cost, despite the fact that the vaccine had been proven to prevent cancers and pre-cancers.
The product, Gardasil, is available privately in Ireland and is administered in three separate doses.
Including GP consultations, it costs around €600.
Dr Crown said there was sufficient evidence to make Gardasil available as a choice for patients and their children.
The Department of Health and Children earlier confirmed that it does not intend to make the vaccine available on the medical card scheme, or reimbursable under community drug schemes.
The Well Woman Centre has warned that some women who wish to be vaccinated are having to take out loans.
Speaking on RTÉ Radio's Morning Ireland, Alison Begas of the centre said the cost was beyond what many patients could afford.
The department says it is examining the effectiveness of the vaccine, and has asked the National Immunisation Advisory Committee to advise on its potential public health benefit.
The new cancer screening service will also be asked for its views on how the vaccine might link in with the roll-out of cervical screening.
The vaccine was approved for use in Europe late last year.
