Ivan Yates
Question:32 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Health and Children if he is considering the introduction of a free general practitioner service; and the cost in a full year if it was introduced. [28762/00]
Written Answers. - General Practitioner Services.
I take it that the Deputy's question refers to the introduction of a free general practitioner service for the population as a whole.
The present philosophy and structure of the medical card scheme which provides, among other benefits, such a service to medical card holders is designed to allow public resources to be targeted at those in greatest need. That has been the case from the inception of the scheme in 1972 and all Governments since that time have been satisfied that this represents the most appropriate approach. Accordingly, I am not considering, at this time, the introduction of a universal free general practitioner service. However, as the Deputy will be aware from yesterday's budget speech by my colleague, the Minister for Finance, the Government has decided to provide for automatic medical card entitlement for all persons aged 70 and over.
On the basis of existing figures relating to the present coverage of the medical card scheme and related fees and allowances paid to general practitioners, it is estimated that the cost in a full year of a universal free general practitioner service would, conservatively, be in the region of £450 million.