Manpower is the single greatest problem facing general practice, the annual general meeting of the Association of General Practitioners was told at the weekend.
AGP chairman Dr Michael Fay told doctors at their meeting in Crosshaven , Cork, that an ageing population of practitioners, especially in rural parts, were not being replaced. He blamed inadequate capitation fees in the General Medical Service Scheme as well as the current restriction of having to live within a limited distance of the doctor's centre of practice for the problem.
The meeting also heard calls for the extension of the general practice co-operative movement to all areas. "I do not doubt our Minister for Health's sincerity in prioritising the co-ops, but he must ensure that the funding is made available to back up this commitment. Why should funds be provided in some counties and not in others?" Dr Fay said.
Doctors also welcomed last week's announcement of funding for new primary care teams but expressed reservations at the minimal capital investment for upgrading of premises.
Dr Fay called for major investment in general practice and a full review of the General Medical Services scheme to make it more attractive to work in rural areas.