The health service in Ireland is struggling to cope with rising costs, causing financial insecurity for rural doctors and leading to an exodus of young Irish-trained doctors to countries like Australia. The Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (FEMPI) cuts have had a detrimental impact on rural practice, leading to difficulties in finding locums and taking time off. The Rural Island and Dispensing Doctors of Ireland propose solutions such as reversing FEMPI cuts, implementing a ‘2 for 1’ system for rural practices, and recognizing the essential role of rural GPs in supporting older people to stay locally. Increased support and funding are needed to sustain rural general practice.
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Submission by the Rural, Island & Dispensing Doctors of Ireland (RIDDI) to government
