Duncan Smith
Question:1723. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health the number of medical cards that have been issued to Ukrainian refugees since the conflict began; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20760/22]
View answerTuesday, 26 April 2022
Questions (1723)
Written answers
People fleeing conflict in Ukraine are granted temporary protection status. Under this measure, they are considered ordinarily resident in Ireland for a limited time period and therefore will be entitled to access health care services, in line with other refugee groups and Irish citizens.
There is a simplified and streamlined process apply for and receive a medical card. The HSE Ukrainian webpage (Healthcare services for Ukrainian nationals in Ireland - HSE.ie) outlines this process and states that applicants will automatically qualify for a medical card. Not having a GP is NOT an obstacle to applying for the card, as one can be assigned afterwards.
* As of Thursday 24 April, 10,342 UKR medical cards have been issued by the HSE. This is an increase of 30 (%) since this day last week.
The HSE has arrangements in place to ensure that people arriving from Ukraine have access to the services they require pending their applications for Medical Cards:
- The HSE has generated a series of temporary Generic Medical Card numbers which enable Ukrainians to receive prescribed medications (reimbursement of pharmacies for medicines dispensed).
- Bespoke GP arrangements are in place to meet immediate health needs of those in emergency accommodation settings.
- Interim arrangements are in place with Out of Hours GP services which means that Ukrainians do not require a medical card to be able to access services.