Covid-19 Pandemic

Thursday, 18 February 2021

Questions (252)

Réada Cronin

Question:

252. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to doctors here refusing to refer patients for Covid-19 testing due to deeply held beliefs regarding the virus; the public health systems in place to address a possible refusal to refer patients for testing for any disease on a personal belief basis, including for a virus causing a pandemic; his views on whether a refusal to refer patients for Covid-19 or other testing due to personal beliefs and against prevailing public health advice as constituting an unnecessary and avoidable risk and potential hazard to public health, particularly in a pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9068/21]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

I am not aware of GPs refusing to refer patients for clinical testing, other than the individual case reported recently in the media. Referrals for Covid-19 testing can be made by any GP, and it is not necessary to be registered with a GP to contact them in relation to a COVID test. Testing can also be arranged by GP out-of-hours services. The Government has been concerned to ensure that COVID testing is available to all who need it on an equal footing, and has allocated significant resources to this end.