Mr O’Brien was speaking to <strong><em>MI</em></strong> following a debate on the <em>Sláintecare Report</em> at the IMO AGM in Killarney.
The debate heard from a number of IMO GP members, who described what they believed to be the current crisis in general practice. A number of speakers also questioned whether the intention of the <em>Sláintecare Report </em>to establish a primary care-focused health service was possible, considering the current state of general practice.
“General practice is vital to the future of the health system,” Mr O’Brien told <strong><em>MI</em></strong>.
“Clearly, we are not on the right track in terms of sustaining the type of general practice service that we need. So one of the things clearly articulated in Sláintecare must now be translated — that is for a vision for the future of general practice that will bring confidence to doctors.”
Mr O’Brien said doctors who are in training must be encouraged to enter into general practice and know it “has a sustainable future, appropriately funded, appropriately resourced”.