HL Deb 07 December 1993 vol 550 cc63-4WA
Lord Colwyn

asked Her Majesty's Government whether they will list:

  1. (a) the number of endoscopies carried out for diagnosis of gastric symptoms;
  2. (b) the cost of this procedure;
  3. (c) the number of prescriptions written for anti-ulcer and antacid drugs;
  4. (d) the cost of these prescriptions;
  5. (e) the number of patients who had gastric cancer; and
  6. (f) the number of patients who died from gastric cancer in the National Health Service in the last full year for which figures are available.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Baroness Cumberlege)

The information available is shown in the table.

United Kingdom Year
Diagnostic endoscopic examinations of the upper gastrointestinal tract1 280,343 1989/90
Cost of this procedure not available
Number of prescriptions2 written for:
Antacids 10,869,000 1992
Ulcer-healing drugs 11,961,000 1992
The cost3 of:
Antacids £31,228,000 1992
Ulcer-healing drugs £359,708,000 1992

United Kingdom Year
Newly diagnosed cases of malignant neoplasm of the stomach4 10,755 1987
Deaths from malignant neoplasm of the stomach4 9,407 1992
1 Information is not available in the detail requested. Diagnostic endoscopic examinations of the gastrointestinal tract include investigations for gastric symptoms. Finished Consultant Episodes.
2 The date covers all prescriptions dispensed by community pharmacists and appliance contractors, and prescriptions submitted by prescribing doctors for items personally administered. Data on prescriptions dispensed in hospitals is not available centrally.
3 Net ingredient cost before discount, excluding dispensing costs and fees.
4International Classification of Disease Code 151.