Fine Gael to anger GPs with surgeries plan

Fine Gael is set to do battle with GPs over plans to make them perform minor surgeries, blood pressure tests, and some x-rays — moves that are likely to cause significant unrest among the powerful doctors’ group.

The plan will be included in the party’s election manifesto when it is launched tomorrow, despite the fact it has yet to be agreed with representative bodies the Irish Medical Organisation or Irish College of General Practitioners.

The Irish Examiner understands the Fine Gael manifesto will indicate that GPs will be told to expand their services to including minor surgery, blood pressure, and cardiac monitoring checks, and increased use of x-rays and ultrasounds.