350 new GP training places will be positive for communities – Burke

A 350 increase in the number of GP training places this year will be positive for communities and will provide greater patient access, according to Fine Gael TD Colm Burke.

Deputy Burke, Fine Gael’s Health spokesperson, said: “Specialist training is so important as it aims to produce GPs who, on completion of training, will be able to provide healthcare to individuals and families in the community.

“The first two years are spent primarily in hospital settings, with third and fourth year in supervised general practice.

“The HSE National Service Plan published today provides for an increase in GP training places to 350 this year, which represents a 23% increase on 2023’s intake.

“This is an extremely welcome development, as the Government is committed to increase the number of GPs working here and to increase patient access throughout the country.

“There will also be an increase in the non-EU Doctor Scheme with a planned intake of up to 250 in 2024.

“This programme aims to identify, support and integrate a cohort of non-EU GPs into the rural Irish workforce. A number are already working in general practices around the country.

“112 non-EU GPs were recruited last year under the training programme with 75 having started in GP practice at year end.

“The expansion in GP training places together with enhancements made to the non-EU programme, will help strengthen general practice and encourage more doctors to work here.

“Another positive development is the establishment of the HSE Medicines Sustainability Programme, which will help drive immediate savings under the medicines budget. This will also deliver funding to reinvest in new drugs.

“We will also see the complete the re-designation of Section 39 hospices to Section 38 status to ensure a sustainable and equitable model of funding for specialist palliative care nationally. This means that all adult hospices in our country will now be fully state-funded, which is a positive step in providing universal access to palliative care,” Deputy Burke concluded.