05/06/2015

Govt Accused Of Failing To Implement Under 6 Free GP Scheme

Less than 40% of GPs have signed up for the Under 6 Free GP scheme, according to new figures.

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Health, Billy Kelleher, claims the figures show the Government's implementation of the policy has failed.

Deputy Kelleher commented: "Fianna Fáil believes that if we are to make primary care the bedrock of our healthcare system we must gradually rebalance the proportion of the health budget going to primary care.

"This would see an annual average increase in the primary care budget of €120 million over a five year term. Fianna Fáil believes GPs and their colleagues in the community-based health professions, such as public health nurses, therapists, social workers, care assistants, have been neglected by this Government.

"The Government has simply failed to convince GPs of the merits of pursuing this policy of free GP care for the Under 6s and its implementation certainly leaves a lot to be desired.

"Fianna Fáil values our family doctors but there is a lot of justifiable anger among GPs about how the Government has dealt with the sector. Fianna Fáil is committing to delivering properly resourced general practice and that would involve negotiating a new contract with GPs that rebalances in favour of primary care."

(CD/JP)

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