GP famine hits Ireland as family doctors and graduates emigrate

According to a new study, Ireland’s declining health service is about to hit a new low as 75 per cent of medical graduates and more established family doctors emigrate for financial reasons.

The survey, conducted by the Irish College of General Practitioners, (ICGP) involved qualified GPs as well as recent graduates and revealed that the country’s health service is facing a GP famine. Only 25 per cent of those surveyed intended to stay in Ireland indefinitely.

Around 17 per cent of recent graduates have already left for jobs overseas, with less than 20 per cent planning an eventual return home. Of working GPs in the country, more than 40 per cent are considering emigrating.

Results from those still studying for their degrees are equally worrying, with 12 per cent determined to emigrate after graduation and 25 per cent seriously considering the option. Most of the recent graduates surveyed would prefer to stay in Ireland, but stated the lack of defined career progression and poor salaries as their reasons for leaving.

The ICGP survey included over 1,000 graduates studying in Irish universities as well as practising GPs who graduated between 2010 and 2013. Many respondents were as worried about the position of GPs within the Irish health service as they were about the lack of career opportunities and poor financial prospects.

A similar report by the Medical Council was released last week, noting a sharp increase in the number of doctors in all specialities who have already emigrated. However, no reasons were given for the increase.