Ivor Callely
Question:85 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health the anticipated changes in primary health care, in particular to general practice, over the next three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20532/96]
Written Answers. - Primary Health Care.
Limerick East): One of the main policy objectives of the health strategy is to ensure that treatment or care is provided for patients in the most appropriate setting. This will frequently involve providing community based rather than institutional care which may be more appropriate to the patient's medical and other circumstances.
The health strategy recognises the pivotal role of general practice in the development of a more comprehensive, integrated and accessible health service and sets out a programme for the organisation and support of general practitioners. With the resources provided from the general practice development fund and the indicative drug target scheme, considerable progress is being made in the improvement of the infrastructure of general practice to enable it to undertake the wider role envisaged in the health strategy. This policy will continue.