Old promises renewed in latest health reform plan

A pledge to introduce free GP care and universal health insurance by 2016 are among several old promises reiterated yesterday in the Government’s blueprint for radical health service reform.

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.