Vol. 488 No. 2
61 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on the adequacy of the number of general practitioners in the general medical services scheme; if the number of general medical services patients on general practitioner panels should be capped at a reasonable level to allow longer consultation times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5798/98]
The responsibility for ensuring the adequacy of general practitioner services for medical card patients is with the chief executive officer of the relevant health board. Overall, the number of general practitioners participating in the GMS at the end of 1997 was 1,646 compared to a figure of 1,538 a decade ago. This increase has brought the mean GMS panel size down to 741 at the end of last year and this panel average compares very favourably with the limit of 2,000 provided for in the GMS contract for provision of general practitioner services.
The comprehensive national general practice survey carried out in 1997 by the Irish College of General Practitioners found that the average general practice consultation time is ten minutes which compares favourably with both British and European figures and indicates a commitment to patient care and quality service.
Having regard to the foregoing, I am satisfied there is a sufficient number of general practitioners in the GMS scheme to provide the level of service required and afford appropriate consultation time.
