Old promises renewed in latest health reform plan
Health Minister James Reilly conceded that “much of the stuff that’s in here [Future Health: A Strategic Framework For Reform of the Health Service 2012-2015] has all been announced before”. However, the actions were now specific and time-bound, he said, and the Government could be held to account.
The document promises the introduction of free GP care on a phased basis, the same promise made a year ago by then junior health minister Roisín Shortall. At the time, she said those on the long-term illness scheme would have free GP care from Mar 2012. Yesterday, new primary care minister Alex White said they did not have a specific date for the extension of the scheme, but the “aspiration” was early to middle of next year.
