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general practice

Last month
April 2025
Opinion: 'Not only could he not get an appointment, he couldn't get a GP to take him on'
Anonymous
This year
2025
​Powering through and praying: Our readers' stories about the GP crisis in Ireland
We asked our readers to share their experience of accessing family doctors across the country. Here’s what we heard back.
Many were forced to resort to already overcrowded emergency departments
This follows our investigation exposing a worsening crisis as a surge in population hasn't been matched with a proportional increase in GPs
Are you struggling to be seen by a GP? We want to hear your stories
Ireland already has some medical deserts - and it’s been getting worse
A surge in population hasn’t been matched with an increase in GPs.
Ireland is one of few EU countries where the patient load of GPs has grown
The Journal Investigates reports that this is exacerbating the primary care crisis
Expert: "Over a protracted period... the health of the population will be eroded"
All time
GP centre won't prescribe 'highly addictive' painkillers due to concerns over illegal drug trade
There have been growing concerns in recent weeks about the sale of opioids and other powerful painkillers.
A GP centre in Dublin is refusing to prescribe powerful painkillers like Oxycontin or "highly addictive" benzodiazepines
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said prescription medications often end up being sold on the street
Benzodiazepines are generally prescribed to treat anxiety, sleep disorders and seizures
Number of trainee GPs to increase by one third to tackle long waiting times
Over 1,600 GPs need to be hired before 2028 as concern grows over shortage
GP: When a super-spreadable virus meets a super-spreader event like Christmas we need to pause
Dr Maitiu Ó Faoláin
Notes from a GP: Covid cases in millennials are now showing in their grandparents
Anonymous GP
Covid-19: Close contacts will be tested twice - on day 1 and day 7 - whether or not they have symptoms
FactCheck: Are there 1,000 more GPs in Ireland than five years ago?
Poll: Should conscientiously objecting GPs be compelled to refer for abortions?
Poll: Should GPs start charging for some medical card services?
'In a utopian society there would be free GP care. In reality, we can't do that'
GPs: Are we missing patients who are suicidal because we're rushed off our feet?
GPs: We can't take on hospital overflow - we're overwhelmed already
GPs in "absolute crisis" - and it could take generations to recover
GPs launch campaign for more resources as service on 'brink of collapse'
General Practice in Ireland at "breaking point", says IMO