GPs want mortgage supports and fast-tracking of non-EU doctors to address rural shortages

An Irish College of General Practitioners conference on Saturday heard many patients cannot get appointments on the day they phone.

GPs say the shortage of doctors in rural areas could be fixed with mortgage supports for young doctors, financial support for people in rural areas to study medicine and fast-track training for non-EU doctors.

One Co Clare doctor has admitted he can no longer take in new patients. He is not alone with an Irish College of General Practitioners conference on Saturday also hearing many patients cannot get appointments on the day they phone.