Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 October 2012
592. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he remains committed to negotiating a new general practitioner contract; the progress made to date in negotiating the new contract in order to ensure the roll out of universal primary care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42781/12]
View answer685. Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Health the progress being made in the introduction of a new General Medical Scheme contract; if this contract will have an emphasis on the management of chronic conditions and a requirement for general practitioners to provide care as part of integrated multidisciplinary primary care teams; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43342/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 592 and 685 together.
The Programme for Government provides for the introduction of a new General Medical Services (GMS) General Practitioner (GP) contract with an increased emphasis on the management of chronic conditions, such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. It is envisaged that the new contract, when finalised, will focus on prevention and will include a requirement for GPs to provide care as part of integrated multidisciplinary Primary Care Teams.
My Department and the HSE are currently examining the changes that need to be made to the GMS contract to facilitate the introduction of Universal Primary Care. There have been preliminary discussions with the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) to outline policy in this regard and I would hope that we will be able to engage in further discussions before long.
