Dáil Éireann - Volume 484 - 09 December, 1997

Written Answers. - GMS Scheme.

Mr. Shatter Mr. Shatter

251. Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children if his Department will bring more doctors into the general medical services to cover the planned expansion of the scheme to give medical cards to those over 65 years on fixed State pensions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22268/97]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen) Brian Cowen

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen): I am satisfied that the number of general practitioners contracted with the health boards to provide services to medical card holders under the general medical services scheme is adequate to meet current needs.

665

The Government has identified as a key priority in its programme, An Action Programme for the Millennium, a review of medical card [665] eligibility for the elderly and large families. My Department is currently making the necessary arrangements to advance this review with the health boards. Pending the outcome of this review, any consideration as to the number of doctors in the scheme does not arise at this stage.

Dáil Éireann 484 Written Answers. GMS Scheme.

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