David Cullinane
Ceist:1438. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health his plans to increase the number of patients on the general practitioner visit-only card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29083/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 14 June 2022
Ceisteanna (1438)
Freagraí scríofa
At the 1st May, 530,425 people hold a GP visit card and, when those holding medical cards are taken into account, nearly 2.1m people (over 41% of the population) have access to GP care without charges.
In accordance with the Programme for Government, the Government is committed to increasing access to GP care without charges for children. At present, my officials and the HSE are engaged in preparatory work for the commencement of the initial stage of the phased expansion of GP care without fees to all children aged 12 years and under, the provision of GP care without fees to all children aged 6 and 7. Consultations with the IMO, representing GPs, are underway with the intention of introducing this service this year. It is estimated approximately 80,000 additional children aged 6 and 7 will be eligible for a GP visit card under the expansion.