Budget needs to tackle 'decade of underfunding' of health service, says doctors' body

The IMO shared data showing there are currently 113 orthopaedic surgeon posts filled on a permanent basis, compared with a recommended number of 231 to meet the current population demands.

A decade of underfunding has pushed people out of the health workforce and substantial investment is needed to bring them back, the Irish Medical Organisation has said.

The doctors' body has called for 5,000 acute hospital beds, support for investment in GP infrastructure, short- and long-term care for the older population and a plan to fully digitise the health service.