THE Government has been accused of failing to keep pace with Donegal population growth as only five new GPs have been appointed this decade.
It is claimed that Ireland’s population increased by approximately 10 per cent between 2020 and 2025 – but the total number of GPs increased by just 6.4 per cent.
Newly released figures reveal that the number of publicly contracted general medical service (GMS) GPs increased by only 2.3 per cent over the same period, according to analysis.
However, it is claimed, that the number of non-GMS GPs increased by 26.8 per cent.
The figures, which come from the HSE, were provided to Sinn Féin Cllr Dakota Nic Mheanman of the Lifford-Stranorlar Municipal District.
She claimed the lack of GPs has left “thousands of people struggling to access a family doctor”.
The HSE confirmed that 5,775 people have already contacted its GP Assignment Office this year to seek help to find a GP, according to Cllr Nic Mheanman, who was elected in 2024.
Cllr Dakota Nic Mheanman claims “thousands of people struggling to access a family doctor”.
She said: “The figures tell the story of a Government that has allowed GP services to fall further and further behind the needs of a growing population.
“Between 2020 and 2025, Ireland’s population grew by around 10 per cent. Yet the total number of GPs increased by only 193, from 3,034 to 3,227, an increase of just 6.4 per cent.
“In Donegal, despite Donegal being one of the counties to take in the highest number of people as refugees, incredibly, only five extra GPs have been employed here since 2020.”
She added: “The number of GPs providing care under the General Medical Services scheme – the doctors relied upon by medical card and GP visit card holders – increased by just 59 across the country over five years. That is an increase of only 2.3 per cent.
“By contrast, the number of non-GMS GPs increased by 134 across the country, or 26.8%. That tells us that growth in general practice has been concentrated outside the public system, while the number of publicly contracted GPs has barely moved.
“The consequences are now plain to see. The HSE has confirmed to Sinn Féin that, in the first seven months of this year alone, 5,775 people required assistance from its GP Assignment Office because they could not secure a GP themselves.
“This is an extraordinary figure and it should ring alarm bells throughout Government.
“I know that this problem is particularly acute.
“Practices are full, waiting lists are closed even to people who have pre-existing family members registered at the practice, and families are travelling long distances simply to access basic healthcare.
“This is the reality facing patients in Donegal and it demands an urgent response.”