General practice ‘at critical juncture’ – ICGP informs Govt

The College has warned that general practice could be “irreparably damaged” if not “properly funded”.

A new GP contract and the reversal of the cutbacks must be an overarching priority, the College said in its submission to the Government.

“We are now at a critical juncture in general practice,” said Dr Tony Cox, Medical Director of the ICGP. “The benefits of appropriate and properly-resourced funding for general practice are clearly laid out in this submission. To not properly resource general practice and primary care will create irreparable damage to the provision of overall healthcare to the people of Ireland.”

The key recommendations in the pre-Budget submission include: Increase capacity in general practice and primary care; Reverse of cutbacks to GMS income; properly-resourced community-based chronic illness management; resourcing more training places, alongside retention measures; new GP contract.