Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 December 2014
131. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health the arrangements for the implementation of the new medical card guidelines as announced by him on 25 November 2014; when the new arrangements will take effect at local level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47443/14]
View answerFollowing the launch of the two reports in November: (1) Report of the Expert Panel on Medical Need for Medical Card Eligibility and (2) the Medical Card Process Review undertaken by Deloitte / Prospectus, Minister Varadkar and I announced ten key actions, required to enhance the operation of the medical card system, with particular focus on persons with significant medical needs.
A project has been established under the HSE System Reform Programme commencing the implementation of the actions. The project will include:
- the development of a strategic plan for and organisation structure for the service;
- the design and establishment of a governance structure for eligibility;
- further integration of the national medical card application processes with
- local areas and primary care teams; and
- the establishment of Clinical Advisory Group to develop an enhanced assessment process which will take into account the burden of an illness or condition.
A senior manager with responsibility for eligibility for primary and community services has recently been appointed.
