Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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324. To ask the Minister for Health the cost for the general practitioner based Heart Watch and Diabetes Watch programmes for the past three years, per year; the number of patients covered; if he will consider introducing such schemes for the entire population; the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19438/15]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Under the February 2015 Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Health, the Health Service Executive and the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO), talks have commenced on a new GP contract. A priority of these discussions will be the inclusion of chronic disease management for patients.

The negotiations with the IMO have already resulted in an agreement on the introduction of a Diabetes Cycle of Care. This will enable patients with a Medical/GP Visit Card and who have Type 2 Diabetes to avail of two annual visits to their GP practice for a structured review of their condition. This service will begin in Quarter 4 of this year. This initiative will help to improve clinical outcomes for patients and reduce complications often experienced with this condition. The costs associated with the Diabetes Cycle of Care are estimated at approximately €4.5m in 2016.

The further introduction of Chronic Disease Management Programmes and the costs associated with same will be dealt with in the context of the above GP contract negotiations.

I have asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy in relation to the costs of the Heart Watch and Diabetes Programmes for the last three years.