Passing of Free GP Care for Under 6s Bill, a Significant Step Towards Universal Primary Care
Minister of State with responsibility for Primary Care, Alex White TD, today welcomed Dáil approval of the Health (General Practitioner Service) Bill 2014.
The Bill is the legislative basis for the start of a new universal GP service and provides an entitlement for all children aged under 6 years to a GP service without fees. It is the first stage of the Government’s commitment to introducing, on a phased basis, a universal GP service without fees within its term of office, as set out in the Programme for Government.
Following approval by the Dáil, the Bill will now proceed to Seanad Eireann and the Minister said he was confident that the legislation would be enacted before the Summer recess, with implementation of the service in the Autumn.
“The passing of this legislation is a landmark in advancing an historic public health initiative to deliver GP services to the population free at the point of access. I am proud of this significant achievement as it is a major development in enhancing public health through Primary Care.“ Minister White said.
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