Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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1612. To ask the Minister for Health for clarification on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57228/23]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme provides for the provision of medical and surgical services to persons with full eligibility under the Health Act 1970 (as amended).

The GMS scheme operates under a choice of doctor principle, meaning that patients who hold a medical or GP visit card have the freedom to choose their GP, or move from one GP to another, provided the new GP is willing to accept the patient to their panel, and that the GP concerned holds a GMS contract.

In order for the dispensing pharmacy to submit a claim for reimbursement support under the GMS, the GP panel number (i.e., contractor number) is required. If the GP does not hold a GMS contract, the prescription cannot be submitted under the GMS scheme for medical card holders.