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06/08/2015
Universal Access To GP Care Needed In 'Earliest Possible Timeframe'
The introduction of free GP care for the over 70s, must be followed by universal free GP access "in the earliest possible timeframe", Sinn Féin Health Spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has said.
"We know that Ireland is the only EU country that does not offer universal coverage of primary care. This latest development, while it is to be welcomed, only moves us somewhat closer to GP coverage that is available as a matter of course in other countries," Deputy Ó Caoláin said.
"The present Government has failed to ensure that the majority of the population that currently do not have access to medical cards or GP visit cards have free GP care extended to them.
"Universal primary care must be extended to all in the earliest possible timeframe. It is essential that the rollout for the rest of the population is done, not based on age cohort as is being followed by the Minister at present.
"GP access should be extended by raising the financial threshold for qualification as this would provide more equitable access to same and should have a clear timeframe.
"The Minister also needs to commit to increasing the numbers of GPs training. We are already far behind comparable countries. It is critical that the Minister now indicate the timeframe and methodology for the roll out to the rest of the population."
(MH/JP)
"We know that Ireland is the only EU country that does not offer universal coverage of primary care. This latest development, while it is to be welcomed, only moves us somewhat closer to GP coverage that is available as a matter of course in other countries," Deputy Ó Caoláin said.
"The present Government has failed to ensure that the majority of the population that currently do not have access to medical cards or GP visit cards have free GP care extended to them.
"Universal primary care must be extended to all in the earliest possible timeframe. It is essential that the rollout for the rest of the population is done, not based on age cohort as is being followed by the Minister at present.
"GP access should be extended by raising the financial threshold for qualification as this would provide more equitable access to same and should have a clear timeframe.
"The Minister also needs to commit to increasing the numbers of GPs training. We are already far behind comparable countries. It is critical that the Minister now indicate the timeframe and methodology for the roll out to the rest of the population."
(MH/JP)
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05 August 2015
People Aged 70 And Over To Receive Free GP Care
All people aged 70 and over are to receive free GP care from today, 05 August. This is the second phase of universal GP care extends a GP service without charges to everyone aged 70 years and older. The new measure applies to those aged 70 and over who do not currently hold a medical or GP visit card.
People Aged 70 And Over To Receive Free GP Care
All people aged 70 and over are to receive free GP care from today, 05 August. This is the second phase of universal GP care extends a GP service without charges to everyone aged 70 years and older. The new measure applies to those aged 70 and over who do not currently hold a medical or GP visit card.
03 August 2015
Over 70s Free GP Care Registration Underway
People aged 70 and over can now register for free GP care, with the service extended to those without a medical card or GP visit card. Welcoming the news, Labour TD, Dominic Hannigan, said: "I am delighted that those over 70 years of age can now avail of the free GP care scheme.
Over 70s Free GP Care Registration Underway
People aged 70 and over can now register for free GP care, with the service extended to those without a medical card or GP visit card. Welcoming the news, Labour TD, Dominic Hannigan, said: "I am delighted that those over 70 years of age can now avail of the free GP care scheme.
01 July 2015
Free GP Care For Children Under 6 Begins
Free GP Care for children under the age of 6 starts today, 01 July. All children who are registered under the Scheme can attend their GP without charge. Over 79,000 children have been registered to avail of this new service and over 2,030 GPs have signed up to provide services as part of the scheme.
Free GP Care For Children Under 6 Begins
Free GP Care for children under the age of 6 starts today, 01 July. All children who are registered under the Scheme can attend their GP without charge. Over 79,000 children have been registered to avail of this new service and over 2,030 GPs have signed up to provide services as part of the scheme.
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Ireland WeatherToday:It will be a dry day and after a quite cloudy start, it will soon brighten up with long sunny spells developing. Winds staying light. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:Dry with clear periods in the east at first, then cloudy overnight. Patchy light rain will affect western areas later. Freshening southerly winds. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
