Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:131 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on the introduction of a free general practitioner service for all; and the estimated cost of this. [2211/98]
Written Answers. - General Practitioner Services.
I do not propose to change the basis of entitlement to health services in Ireland to provide free general practitioner medical services to all. Approximately 35 per cent of the population hold medical cards under the general medical services scheme.
Under the Health Act, 1970, medical cards are issued to persons, who, in the opinion of the chief executive officer of the appropriate health board, are unable, without undue hardship, to provide general practitioner services for themselves and their dependants. Income guidelines are drawn up by chief executive officers to assist in the determination of a person's eligibility and these guidelines are revised annually in line with the consumer price index. However, those whose income exceeds the guidelines may qualify for a medical card if their health board considers that they are unable to provide necessary medical care for themselves or their family.
In view of this special provision it is felt that it is not justifiable, on health policy grounds, to extend an automatic entitlement to a medical card to everyone without reference to their means, as a general rule, particularly in view of the many areas of pressing need in the health services and the finite resources available to meet them.
Notwithstanding the arrangements referred to above the Government has identified as a key priority in its programme, An Action Programme for the Millennium, a review of medical card eligibility for the elderly and large families and my Department has made the necessary arrangements to advance this review with the health boards.