Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 April 2018
97. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health his views on whether the general practitioner workforce can be increased by 1,000 as recommended by the health service capacity review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17093/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraGeneral Practitioners play an important role in the primary care system. The number of General Practitioners on the specialist register continues to increase – up from 2,270 in 2010 to 3,637 at the end of 2017 and the number of GPs contracted by the HSE under the GMS scheme has also risen from 2,098 in 2008 to 2,485 as of 1st April 2018.
The 2018 Health Service Capacity Review proposes a number of estimates of between 4,790 and 4,970 General Practitioners that may be required by 2031. While it is important to note that these estimates are based on statistical models of demand and are subject to certain assumptions, the Government is aware of the manpower issues facing general practice and has taken steps to increase the numbers of General Practice training places accordingly.
In 2009, there were 120 General Practice training places available and this year it is expected that over 190 training places will be filled, an increase of around 60% over a nine year period. The number of training places will rise to 259 in coming years. There were over 400 applications for the 2018 training programme which is a significant increase of almost 50% on the number of applications from 2017.
The Government is also committed to engaging with GP representatives on the development of a package of measures and reforms to modernise the 1989 GMS contract. Our goal is to develop a contractual framework that has a population health focus, providing in particular for health promotion, disease prevention and for the structured care of chronic conditions. This will enable general practitioners to better meet the needs of patients and will also promote general practice as a viable and rewarding career for both existing doctors and future medical graduates.
