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Medical Cards

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 April 2022

Tuesday, 5 April 2022

Questions (725)

Cathal Crowe

Question:

725. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if he will waive the requirement to have a general practitioner sign a medical card form for Ukrainian refugees in view of the fact that many general practitioners are not taking on new medical card applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17728/22]

View answer

Written answers

It is a priority for the Department and the HSE to ensure that Ukrainian refugees are provided with appropriate health and social care services.

Ukrainians refugees will be able to access health care services from the HSE including Covid-19 vaccinations, GPs, community care and hospital or emergency care. As well as services for children’s health, mental health, disabilities, maternity care, and older people. 

A simplified and streamlined medical card application process for Ukrainians granted temporary protection status is in operation.

For Ukrainian refugees in emergency accommodation, the HSE has put in place a GP framework which ensures provision of specific GP services and access to prescriptions. In addition, Safety Net are providing GP clinics to facilities located in Dublin and out of hours services are accessible. A Community Healthcare response has also been mobilised to meet immediate health and support needs.

In conjunction with the National Women’s and Infant Health Programme, a specific urgent referral service at the Rotunda Hospital for pregnant women near term (> 32 weeks) or those who require urgent access is in place. The senior midwife can refer to any maternity unit nationally.

The Inclusion Health Service at CHI Temple Street is being reoriented to assist with the Ukrainian situation.

In collaboration with National Cancer Control programme (NCCP) and the Irish Cancer Society (ICS), a Ukrainian cancer information page on the how to access services is live (www.cancer.ie/ukraine). The ICS will be appointing a Ukrainian Cancer Coordinator with which Acute Operations will work in close collaboration.

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