Meath has the lowest number of GPs in the state - new report

Meath has the lowest number of doctors in the country according to a new report. Research conducted by the Irish College of General Practitioners found that Meath has the lowest number of GPs in the state, per head of population.

At the bottom of the table Meath has 54 GPs per 100,000 people, while at the top Waterford and Galway have 102. The World Health Organisation recommends a ratio of 100 GPs per 100,000 population.

Sinn Féin TD for Meath East, Darren O'Rourke, says the failure to address the chronic shortage of General Practitioners in Co. Meath has a real impact on access to care.

Teachta O'Rourke said:

"These figures, released by the ICGP, are very stark. They show, very clearly, the shortage of GPs across the state. Within that shortage, there is a very clear geographic variation. And within that shortage and very clear geographic variation, County Meath is worst of all. There has been a failure to plan and to respond to population changes and population demands. This applies in the area of General Practice, and we know it applies in other areas too. It's just not good enough. Why should the people of Meath be forced to put up with less?

"Any shortage of GPs has an impact on access to care. The scale of the problem in Meath is beyond compare in Ireland and has a real impact. As a result, people in Meath struggle to get timely appointments, they avoid necessary care, or they present inappropriately to Emergency Departments, for example.

"The ICGP have pointed towards the need for innovative incentives to address the GP shortage. In Sinn Féin, we have set our proposals for General Practice and Primary Care year after year in our Alternative Budget. We will do so, again, in the coming weeks. Government would do well to listen and to act. The people of County Meath, more than anywhere else in Ireland, deserve nothing less."

Meanwhile Sinn Féin TD Johnny Guirke has issued a strong critique of the government's ongoing work with the HSE and the Department of Health, highlighting significant gaps in support for both rural and urban deprived general practices.

Deputy Guirke emphasised the urgent need for a real focus on these areas, stressing the necessity for the HSE to better support GPs who wish to establish new practices in towns and villages in Meath with expanding populations.

"Meath currently has the lowest number of GPs per head of population in the country, with just 54 GPs per 100,000 people, when we should have just over 100 GPs per 100,000," Deputy Guirke stated.

"This is a critical issue that I've been highlighting since being elected to the Dáil. Many constituents are struggling to find a GP for themselves and their children, which is simply unacceptable."

The shortage of GPs in Meath and similar areas is a pressing concern that deeply affects the health and well-being of residents. Deputy Guirke has called for action from the Government ensuring that GPs are fully resourced to meet the needs of Meath’s growing and ageing population.

Deputy Guirke added. "It is imperative that the Government and the HSE take action to address these disparities and provide the necessary support for GPs, particularly in areas experiencing rapid population growth such as Meath."