asked the Minister for Health if he has any proposals to introduce incentives at any level of health care towards preventive medicine, especially in general practice.
Written Answers. - Preventive Medicine.
190.
I consider that there is scope for a very significant contribution to be made by doctors in promoting the health of their patients and in the practice of preventive medicine. This is, or course, the primary role of those engaged in community medicine employed by the health boards. I would regard it as a matter of professional responsibility for all doctors to advise their patients, as the opportunity presents, on matters such as smoking, diet and exercise which are of central importance in the prevention of illness and premature death. With regard to the specific contribution of general practitioners, I have approved specific payments to be made to general practitioners who participate in the Measles, Mumps, Rubella campaign. The new terms agreed for doctors participating in the GMS make it clear that preventive services form part of the GMS. The new payment system to be introduced has as a major benefit the fact that doctors will have the opportunity to arrange their activities so as to permit longer consultations where necessary; this is particularly important in the context of prevention. Discussions are continuing with the IMO on the question of whether a specific payment should be made for special services, including services of a preventive character, which are not a normal feature of general practice and which should be encouraged. This is an area which will be kept under continuing review and can be a means of encouraging innovation in areas which are clearly cost-effective.