asked the Minister for Health when he proposes to make full payment to general practitioners with District Medical Officers contracts in respect of entitlement to a capitation fee per patient on their list under the General Medical Service Scheme, in accordance with the new scheme of payment introduced by his Department as of 1 March 1989.
Written Answers. - General Medical Service Scheme.
102.
I am assuming the Deputy is referring to arrangements agreed in 1972, on the introduction of the GMS scheme, with regard to guarantees given to former district medical officers in respect of remuneration and other entitlements. The new terms and conditions for doctors participating in the GMS make provision for the continued operation of the guarantees given to former district medical officers on the commencement of the scheme in 1972. As regards the method of payment under the new terms and conditions, former district medical officers who opted for remuneration by way of a fee-per-item of service method under the previous agreement and who signed the new contract are remunerated by way of capitation payment, in accordance with the provisions of Appendix A to the new contract.