Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

440. To ask the Minister for Health if it is standard practice for parents of babies under six weeks old to be charged for general practitioner services in cases where they have not applied for free general practitioner care for children under six years of age; if and from whom there is a refund due in such cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5485/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Maternity and Infant Care Scheme provides an agreed programme of care free of charge to an expectant mother arising out of her pregnancy and to her new-born baby for six weeks after birth. Before the birth of the child the Scheme offers a system of combined care by a general practitioner who is a participant and is chosen by the expectant mother and the maternity unit/ hospital of choice. A schedule of antenatal visits to the general practitioner and the Maternity unit is recommended starting as soon after conception as possible. The schedule of visits may be varied by the general practitioner and/or obstetrician depending on the individual circumstances of the expectant mother.

After the mother and child leave hospital a visit is made by a Public Health Nurse to the new mother and baby at home. During this visit the mother is given advice and support in the care of herself and of the baby. Two designated visits to the General Practitioner are allowed for in the Scheme the first should be at 2 weeks after the Birth and this visit is especially for examination of the baby. The second visit is at 6 weeks after birth and is both for the mother and the baby. If additional visits are required by patients suffering from major conditions, the patient may avail of a maximum of 5 visits free of charge.

A child must be registered with the HSE for the Under 6's GP visit card in order to access GP services without fees. The child's eligibility will not commence until confirmation is received that the GP of choice has confirmed that they have accepted the child onto their panel.