Shortage of GPs represents mounting health crisis, says Tipperary TD

The Rural Independent Group of TDs introduced a Dáil Motion last Wednesday urging immediate action to address “the critical shortages in General Practioners (GPs) across rural Ireland,” a crisis that they say has escalated over the past four years.

Recent data reveals that over two-thirds (66 percent) of rural GPs are currently unable to accept new patients, with some people experiencing waiting times of up to two weeks for appointments, as highlighted in a survey conducted by the Irish Independent.

“This mounting health crisis is straining rural communities, resulting in delayed diagnoses and treatments,” say the TDs.

Deputy Mattie McGrath, the leader of the Rural TDs, emphasised the gravity of the situation.

“For four years, the Government has turned a blind eye to the pleas of GPs and frontline healthcare workers. General Practice is under immense strain, yet the Minister for Health and the government have failed to act”.

In response, the Rural TDs are proposing concrete measures to reverse what they describe as the decline in rural healthcare.
Deputy McGrath outlined what he said were the urgent steps needed.

“We must establish a high-level ministerial working group to devise immediate, medium-term and long-term solutions. The current Dublin-centric approach is neglecting rural healthcare, and that must change”.

The motion called for immediate action to fill vacant GP posts in rural areas and alleviate the burden on existing practices.

This includes immediate measures, such as new salaried GP positions and increased support for rural practices to attract and retain medical professionals. Long-term solutions include increasing GP training places and making rural healthcare more appealing to young doctors through targeted incentives.

Deputy McGrath added, “The shortage of GPs in rural areas is unsustainable, and the Government’s inaction is exacerbating the crisis. We need bold, actionable solutions to reverse this decline and safeguard the future of healthcare in rural Ireland”.

He further highlighted the need for increased investment in GP training and primary care services, along with initiatives to incentivise young doctors from rural areas to return and practice in their communities.

“The time for excuses is over. We need decisive action to ensure that every citizen, regardless of location, has access to quality healthcare.

“General Practice is the backbone of Ireland’s healthcare system, but it is crumbling under the weight of neglect and indifference. We are determined to reverse this trend and ensure that every rural community has access to the healthcare services they deserve,” he added.