Réada Cronin
Question:417. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health if he will introduce a scheme in which online only doctors could accept medical cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45554/24]
View answerThursday, 7 November 2024
Questions (417)
Written answers
General practitioners are private practitioners, the majority of whom hold a GMS contract with the HSE to provide medical services without charge to medical and GP visit card holders. Medical card and GP visit card holders are placed on a GP's GMS panel from whom they receive GP services in accordance with the GMS contract.
To support the administration of a comprehensive GP service to GMS patients based primarily on the provision of in-person consultations, the GMS contract provides, amongst other things, for practice supports including supports for practice staff and for the provision of specific in-person medical treatments. Online doctor or video doctor services are limited to the provision of virtual consultations only which are provided to patients on a private basis.
There are no plans at present to introduce a scheme which would allow online only doctors to provide GP services to GMS patients without charge.