Report urges health system changes to benefit patients

DRASTIC health system changes to prevent existing GPs from blocking new doctors working in their area are set significantly to improve patients’ access to primary care services.

A new report from the Competition Authority has ruled that the existing General Medical Services (GMS) contract system must be overhauled in order to free-up space for new GPs.

Under the existing system, GMS contract GPs are paid an annual capitation fee by the State per patient, with the costs depending on the type of service provided and the distance a doctor needs to travel to see the individual.