Colm Brophy
Ceist:492. Deputy Colm Brophy asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of employing HSE general practitioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45883/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 7 November 2024
Ceisteanna (492)
Freagraí scríofa
The Irish model of general practice is based on private practice, and all GPs providing GP services in Ireland currently are private practitioners. The HSE does not directly employ GPs for the provision of GP services.
In regard to challenges in accessing GPs in some parts of the country, I am open to looking at whether HSE employed GPs would be a possible solution to such access issues. As part of the Strategic Review of General Practice currently underway consideration will be given to the possible role of HSE employed GPs, as part of a wider examination of the GP capacity issue.
It should be noted that any proposed model involving salaried GP positions would require careful consideration to ensure the required level of service could be provided for medical card and GP visit card holders.
It is not currently possible to estimate the cost of the HSE employing GPs, this would depend on the number of GPs employed and agreement on salary levels as there is no established salary scale for publicly employed GPs in Ireland. In addition, substantial ancillary costs associated with the provision of GP care would need to be determined, including premises, equipment, consumables and staffing costs which may vary greatly depending on location and the services to be provided.