Government to hold first talks with GPs on plan for free medical care for under 6s

The Government will tomorrow hold its first talks with doctors’ representatives on its plans to provide free GP care for children under six from later this year.

Minister of State at the Department of Health Alex White is scheduled to meet representatives from the Irish Medical Organisation on the move.

It is understood the Health Service Executive will also tomorrow publish a draft contract for doctors operating the new service on its website.

The HSE will seek submissions “to assist with the development of the new contract”. The deadline for receipt of submissions will be February 21st.

The Government has provided €37 million this year for the introduction of free GP care for children aged under six as a first step towards its overall aim of the introduction of free GP services for everyone by 2016.

However, the IMO has strongly criticised the Government’s approach, arguing the timescale is too ambitious. It also complained that, up to now, there had been a lack of consultation with GPs about the Government’s plans.

'No credible plan'
Last week, the IMO met members of the Fine Gael health committee and argued that the Government had "no credible plan for introduction of free GP care for all by 2016".

Speaking after the meeting, Dr Ray Walley, chairman of the GP committee of the IMO, warned family doctor services were at breaking point following the withdrawal of a total of €160 million in resources over the past five years.

He maintained that, as a result of cutbacks, there was:

A shortage of GPs in rural and disadvantaged areas;

Growing waiting lists for GP visits across the country;

A curtailment of services not covered by their contract with the State which were previously provided free-of-charge by many GPs; and

An inability to extend GP services on the current financial model.

Dr Walley said the Government should know that it was unachievable to press ahead with its plan to introduce universal free GP care by 2016.

“Extending GP cards to all citizens is a massive and fundamental change to healthcare policy. It would have dramatic impacts on all aspects of the health service and cause unprecedented dislocation in current services. We believe that, while the objective may be desirable, it is simply foolish to consider such a change within anything less than a 10-year time scale.”

Pharmacists' role
Separately, the Irish Pharmacy Union yesterday urged the Government to consider an expanded role for pharmacists in the health service at a meeting with Mr White.

IPU secretary general Darragh O’Loughlin said additional services that could be provided included a minor ailments scheme, extended vaccination services, chronic disease management, and health promotion initiatives, such as smoking cessation.

He stated allowing pharmacies to take on these extra responsibilities would improve access to professional healthcare; reduce unnecessary spending; ease some of the burden on GP services, freeing up this crucial resource; and improve health outcomes for patients and the public.

“We currently have a dysfunctional health service with huge pressures on GPs, hospitals and emergency services. Pharmacists, as healthcare professionals and as the most accessible part of the healthcare service, can help bridge some of the gaps which exist in our primary care and healthcare systems.”