The ICGP says that supporting general practice is the key to sustainable healthcare; “through prioritising a new GP contract, enabling the management of chronic illnesses in the community, building general practice capacity and increasing resources.”
General practice in Ireland is “chronically under resourced” says Dr John Gillman, Chairman of the ICGP.
“The ICGP supports a ten-year plan to develop a sustainable, efficient and equitable healthcare service for all.
“The international evidence clearly shows that health systems which prioritise general practice optimise use of limited resources. The current contract which GPs are working under is outdated and does not take account of chronic disease management. This needs to be addressed.”
The ICGP recommends the introduction of a new contract for general practice as “an overarching priority”, including provision for its review and development as an on-going process, between the Department of Health and GPs.
“The current capitation-based, GP contract was established in 1989 and does not provide for the care of persons with chronic illnesses,” the ICGP said in a statement.
