asked the Minister for Health the reasons for his refusal to allow open entry for suitably qualified doctors into the GMS choice of doctor scheme.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Choice of Doctor Scheme.
46.
When the general medical service was initiated it was agreed with the medical organisations that it was desirable in order to preserve a reasonable ratio between patients and doctors that there should be limited entry to the scheme and that future vacancies should be advertised and filled by an agreed procedure.
During the current review of the scheme the medical organisations suggested that there should be unrestricted entry to the scheme by any doctor with specified postgraduate experience. The departmental representatives gave the following objections to unrestricted entry:
(a) unrestricted entry would result in small panels; such panels have unduly high visiting rates thereby adding to the cost of the scheme;
(b) the present method of entry is ensuring an improved service in remote and rural areas; if unrestricted entry is introduced it is likely to encourage a movement of general practitioners to the more heavily populated areas;
(c) there is no reason to believe patient care would be improved;
(d) there is at present no problem filling vacancies and new entrants are continually coming into the scheme;
(e) a "fee for service" method of payment was agreed upon on the basis of restricted entry; no convincing reasons have been advanced for a change.
The medical organisations are considering these objections and it has been agreed that the matter will be discussed again.
In the circumstances the Deputy will appreciate that no question of a decision by me has yet arisen.
With your permission, Sir, I want to raise the subject matter of Question No. 19 on the Adjournment.
I will communicate with the Deputy. The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.