Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal, Alan Farrell, has welcomed the high registration of GPs in the North County for free under 6 care. Data released this week by the Department of Health shows that 79% of GPs in Dublin North have registered for the scheme. The strong registration figures for GPs are mirrored by very high registration of children for the scheme. The Department of Health has received 1,911 contracts from GPs which represents 79% of GPs.
“I am delighted that so many GPs in the North County have registered for this scheme. Free under 6 GP care which will be hugely beneficial for children and their families and is a vital step towards Universal Health Care.
“I also welcome the very high registration of children for the scheme. Over 54,000 children have already been registered for free GP care which begins on July 1st. It is great to see that parents are registering their children for free GP care in such high numbers.
“In addition to the implementation of free GP care for under-6s, we are taking another important step on the road to universal healthcare. This follows the recent agreement on free GP care for over-70s. These measures will help ensure good quality primary care for the youngest and oldest in our society. It is best, where possible, to identify and treat illnesses locally, either in your local doctor’s surgery or primary care centre. By improving primary care we aim to reduce the demand on our hospitals which are under extreme pressure.
“All children under-6 will benefit from the new enhanced service including age-based preventive checks focused on health and wellbeing and the prevention of disease. For children diagnosed with asthma doctors will carry out an annual review of each child where asthma has been diagnosed.”