Special IMO seminar hears stark warnings about massive chronic care challenges for health service as Irish population ages rapidly

“The challenges for our health services today are significant – but they are dwarfed by the challenges coming over the horizon” – warns Dr Padraig McGarry of the IMO

IMO calls for strategic investment in General Practice to deal with demands from inevitable rise in chronic illnesses

A rapidly ageing Irish population and the dramatically increasing medical demands that follow will dwarf the problems facing our health services today according to speakers at a special seminar organised by the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO). 

The seminar, which was opened by the Minister for Health, Dr Leo Varadkar TD, took place in Buswells Hotel in Dublin on Wednesday evening. The meeting was attended by a number of prominent journalists, politicians, Department of Health and HSE officials as well as GPs. 

Dr Padraig McGarry, Chairman of the GP Committee of the IMO, said the seminar had been organised to try to encourage policy makers to see beyond current problems to the “storm that is gathering on the horizon.” 

Dr Austin Byrne, GP from Tramore in Waterford, presented an analysis of future population changes that are coming down the line and the impact they will have on health services.

Dr William Behan, GP in Dublin, addressed the seminar on the challenge of rising health care costs. Dr Behan said that the international literature was unanimous on the cost effectiveness of treating patients through General Practice as opposed to a hospital setting.  

Dr Tadhg Crowley, GP in Kilkenny, spoke of the potential of Chronic Care programmes in General Practice and how they could help address the current and future health needs of citizens if properly planned and resourced.

The IMO is calling on all political parties, the Department of Health and the HSE to commit to a programme of sustained investment into General Practice so that we can start treating patients with chronic disease and offer a modern, quality service to our citizens.  

For the full press release, videos and event info click here 


IMO Chronic Disease Seminar - Booklet