asked the Minister for Health if any up-to-date comparisons have been made between the cost of the GMS service in this country and its equivalent in Britain; and, if so, if he will give details.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - General Medical Service.
21.
The most recent year for which I have figures in relation to the general medical services in Britain is that ended 31st March, 1974. For that year the cost per person of the service in Britain was £9.58 and the cost per person covered in our general medical service was £14.31. In comparing these figures it is important to note the differences in scope of the services in the two countries. The National Health Service in Britain covers the entire population while our general medical services cover only about one-third of the population and, of those covered here, almost half are recipients of welfare allowances. It is recognised that the need for health services is greater for these categories. Indeed the visitation rate per person covered under our general medical service is considerably higher than that in the United Kingdom—5.5 visits per person as against an average of 3.8 in Britain.