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18/07/2014
Passing Of Health Bill 2014 Described As 'Historic Moment
The passing of the Health (General Practitioner Service) Bill 2014 has been described as a "historic moment" by Minister for Health Leo Varadkar and Minister of State for Primary and Social Care Kathleen Lynch.
The Bill will "pave the way" for GP care without fees for children under six.
Both Ministers have also accepted an amendment by Senator John Crown which prevents any ‘gagging’ clause from being included in contracts with GPs.
"This Act is a significant step in the Government’s plan to provide universal health care, starting with access to General Practitioners without fees for children under six," said Minister Varadkar.
"This particular measure is the keystone of the Government’s policy in the area of primary care. We are shifting the focus of healthcare from hospitals to the community, and from treating illnesses to maintaining good health."
Minister Lynch said: "It is the first step along the way to ensuring that all our citizens have GP cover. It will be of enormous benefit to hard-pressed families with young children, helping them to overcome the obstacle of the financial burden of GP care."
Additional funding of €37m was provided in Budget 2014 to fund this first phase. Providing access to a GP service without fees to all children aged five and under will mean that almost half of the population will have access to GP services without fees. 240,000 children that currently must pay to see a GP will benefit. Implementation is due to take place later in the year.
(MH/IT)
The Bill will "pave the way" for GP care without fees for children under six.
Both Ministers have also accepted an amendment by Senator John Crown which prevents any ‘gagging’ clause from being included in contracts with GPs.
"This Act is a significant step in the Government’s plan to provide universal health care, starting with access to General Practitioners without fees for children under six," said Minister Varadkar.
"This particular measure is the keystone of the Government’s policy in the area of primary care. We are shifting the focus of healthcare from hospitals to the community, and from treating illnesses to maintaining good health."
Minister Lynch said: "It is the first step along the way to ensuring that all our citizens have GP cover. It will be of enormous benefit to hard-pressed families with young children, helping them to overcome the obstacle of the financial burden of GP care."
Additional funding of €37m was provided in Budget 2014 to fund this first phase. Providing access to a GP service without fees to all children aged five and under will mean that almost half of the population will have access to GP services without fees. 240,000 children that currently must pay to see a GP will benefit. Implementation is due to take place later in the year.
(MH/IT)
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14 October 2013
Free GP Care For Children Under Five Secured
The Department of Health says it has secured funding in the 2014 Budget enough to ensure it can supply free GP care for children aged five years and under next year. It is thought 240,000 families will benefit from the scheme, expected to cost about €40m.
Free GP Care For Children Under Five Secured
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17 April 2014
Govt Agree Publication Of Free Children's GP Care Legislation
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Govt Agree Publication Of Free Children's GP Care Legislation
The government has agreed to publish the legislation that will pave the way for free GP care for children aged 5 and under.
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Free GP Care Registration System Opened
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Free GP Care Registration System Opened
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