According to the Organisation, the proposals would not adequately address the “current crisis in the area and will not ensure a GP service continues in rural Ireland”.
The IMO said it has made “a series of proposals” to the HSE/Department of Health in this regard.
Speaking yesterday following the meeting, IMO GP Committee Chair Dr Padraig McGarry said general practice nationally had suffered draconian cuts in recent years, with over €160 million taken out of the service.
“There are significant problems in rural areas and the IMO has put forward realistic solutions to address the crisis of retaining GP services in local rural communities,” he said.
“Additionally we have put forward proposals on a range of new special items of services that could be offered to patients, which are not covered by the current GMS contract. Such a move would not only benefit patients in terms of being able to receive services in their community but would also ensure that patients do not need to be referred to the hospital where the costs are higher for the State.”
Negotiations are continuing between the parties on the new GMS contract.
