Population rise to put pressure on health system
The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) is warning that Ireland's increasing population will present significant challenges to the healthcare system in the coming years.
In a report published today, the think tank says Ireland's population growth will lead to a 54% increase in demand for in-patient hospital beds and a 64% increase in demand for day beds.
It also says GP consultations could increase by one-third, while the demand for long-term residential care for the elderly could increase by almost 60%.
The ESRI says training places for GPs will have to increase dramatically to avoid a significant shortage of doctors within just 12 years.
It says Ireland already has a relatively low ratio of GPs to population and, even it this low ratio was to be maintained, an extra 350 GPs would have to be working by 2021 to keep pace with population growth.
The report was welcomed by advocacy group Age Action as an indicator that Irish people are living for longer.
"However, the challenges which the projected changes in the age of our population will have for society must now be faced up to and planned for,” Age Action spokesman Eamon Timmins said.
“It is important that the report’s findings are carefully considered by those charged with planning for the effective delivery of our health care services."
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