Irish rural areas, notably Meath, face a severe GP shortage, straining healthcare needs in an aging population.
The Irish College of General Practitioners reports a severe shortage of general practitioners (GPs) in rural areas, particularly in Meath, where there are only 54 GPs per 100,000 people. The college emphasizes that the ratio of GPs to population is crucial for meeting healthcare needs, especially in an aging population. While the Department of Health and Health Service Executive have increased foreign doctor recruitment and expanded training programs, the college calls for more support for rural practices and incentives for new GPs to work in rural areas.
August 23, 2024
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