Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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The Government is committed to delivering a humanitarian response to welcome people fleeing the war in Ukraine and seeking protection in Ireland as part of the EU response. Upon arrival, refugees from Ukraine are granted temporary protection status. Under this measure, they are considered ordinarily resident in Ireland for a limited time period and are entitled to access health care services, in line with other refugee groups and Irish citizens.

It is a priority for my Department and the HSE to ensure that Ukrainian refugees are provided with appropriate health and social care services. Ukrainian refugees are entitled to apply for a medical card to access primary care services for each adult and child dependent as well as ongoing care of priority medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease and other chronic illness.

There is a simplified and streamlined process to apply for a medical card and the HSE Ukrainian webpage (www.gov.ie/Ukraine) outlines this process. Having a GP is not a requirement for applying for the medical card, as one can be assigned afterwards.

Over 45,000 medical cards have been granted to Ukrainian refugees to date.

Ukrainian refugees can seek medical care while awaiting a medical card. For those with urgent medical needs, healthcare services are provided through the public hospital system. Ukrainian refugees can also receive health care services including access to Covid-19 vaccinations, GPs, community care and hospital or emergency care, as well as access to services for children’s health, mental health, disabilities, maternity care, older people and many more.

The HSE has arranged a range of bespoke GP services for those accommodated in hotels and other settings. The exact model for each site varies, however all have access to GP Out-of-Hours services, while those staying in private accommodation can register with local GPs.

It is vital that we continue to stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine. I will continue to work with the HSE to ensure every health support we can provide is made available.