Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2026
1201. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health to clarify if private patients who were previously in a programme can be included in the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) programme (details supplied); the plans to expand CDM eligibility to include all patients with chronic diseases, irrespective of their general medical services or doctor visit card status; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10400/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the GMS scheme, the HSE contracts GPs to provide medical services without charge to medical card and GP visit card holders. The General Practitioner (GP) Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Programme commenced in 2020 and has been rolled out on a phased basis to adult GMS (Medical Card and GP Visit Card) patients over a 4-year period.
The CDM Programme represents a new approach in Ireland to working with patients to manage their healthcare. It has brought the care for chronic disease further into the community and closer to the patient, and has reduced hospital attendance by patients with one or more of the specified conditions.
The Programme was expanded in 2023 to include women who have had gestational diabetes or pre-eclampsia, and a further expansion of the Programme, to include the addition of chronic kidney disease and a number of other conditions will be rolled out over the coming months.
It is not currently planned to expand eligibility for the Programme to all patients on a universal basis. However, this may be considered in the context of broader expansions of eligibility and the implementation of Sláintecare. It is important to note that any expansion of the Programme requires careful clinical consideration and consultation with GPs and other stakeholders to ensure that the expansion can be rolled out effectively.
With respect to the specific programme queried, as this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
