Clare GP Claims Capacity Issues Could Hinder Enhanced Eligibility Scheme

A Clare General Practioner claims extending the eligibility of free healthcare cannot garuantee access to appointments due to serious capacity issues within local services. A further 215,000 people across the country can avail of free GP healthcare from today, as part of the phased introduction of the governments universal scheme. However there is currently a deficit of 2,000 GPs in the country, while more than 500 service providers will reach retirement age in the next three years. Irish Medical Organisation Committee Member and Lahinch GP Michael Kelleher says healthcare cannot be delivered without a sufficient workforce.