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Primary Care Services Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 December 2018

Wednesday, 19 December 2018

Ceisteanna (384)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Ceist:

384. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Health the procurement procedure for primary care service delivery for residents of direct provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53878/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE. Asylum seekers living in direct provision must complete and submit a Medical Card application form to the Health Service Executive (HSE) National Medical Card Unit (NMCU) for assessment.

Medical Cards are issued to Asylum Seekers where their application is supported by relevant documentation (confirmation that they are in receipt of Asylum Seekers Weekly Payment). Medical Cards are issued to Asylum Seekers for one year and is subject to normal review thereafter.

Asylum Seekers awarded full medical card eligibility are entitled to a range of services including general practitioner services, prescribed drugs and medicines, all in-patient and out-patient public hospital services including consultants services, dental, ophthalmic and aural services and appliances and a maternity and infant care service. Other services such as allied healthcare professional services may also be available to medical card holders.

In relation to accessing GP services it is noted that any person making an application for a medical card must indicate their GP of choice in the course of the application process. If the GP of choice accepts the applicant to their 'Panel of GMS Patients' the eligibility assessment process is concluded accordingly.

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