Welcome first step towards free GP care

THE Government has reached agreement with the Irish Medical Organisation on fees to be paid for a contract introducing free GP care for children under the age of six.

Under the deal, the Government will increase its investment in providing GP services to children under six to €67 million. Capitation fees for children under that age will be €125, up from the €68.65 currently received. Extra payments and supports bring that figure to €216.

The agreement has been described by Health Minister Leo Varadkar as a ‘significant breakthrough’ but he, very wisely, also acknowledged yesterday that we still have some way to go towards the provision of universal health care.