Doctors question health commitments in NDP review

The Government’s review of the National Development Plan, published in late July, drew significant media attention. The headline figure was a total planned investment of €275.4 billion between 2026 and 2035.

The plan largely centres on housing delivery, with investment set to be around €36 billion over the next five years. Overall, €102 billion is planned to be invested between 2026 and 2030 across a range of sectors. Some €9.25 billion of this will be allocated to healthcare.

The review document also highlights recently completed healthcare infrastructure, such as new modular ward blocks in Limerick and Kilkenny and several new primary care centres nationwide.

However, the IMO has questioned whether the level of investment outlined is sufficient. In a statement following the review’s publication, the Organisation noted that the figure of €9.25 billion amounts to just 9 per cent of the total investment to be made up to 2030.

IMO President Dr Anne Dee said it was “incomprehensible” how the plan could devote such limited funding to healthcare compared to other sectors.

“The Government has to look at all areas of society and the IMO welcomes any investment in the health system, but it appears that healthcare has been overlooked in this instance which could have significant repercussions in future years.”

Overall, the document is not heavy on specifics. While it refers to the Government’s commitment to health digitalisation, there is no detail.

Commenting on the report, IHCA President Prof Gabrielle Colleran said the full roll-out of electronic health records is badly needed.

“We fully endorse and support the decision in the National Development Plan to prioritise health digitalisation,” according to Prof Colleran.

“This would be transformational in nature and a once-in-a-generation opportunity to catch up on other countries where digital health records are the norm, enhancing productivity, healthcare outcomes, and service experience for citizens.

“Our health system continues to rely on an antiquated records model, which is desperately inefficient.”

The IHCA added that a detailed procurement and implementation plan is now required to accompany investment in health digitalisation, to ensure value for money and avoid further delays.

Meanwhile, the Irish Doctors for the Environment (IDE) have concerns about the plan from a climate perspective. The IDE pointed out that while 2030 is highlighted in the National Development Plan in terms of infrastructural investment, it is also the year by which Ireland is legally bound to meet critical climate targets.

The group warned that failure to meet these targets could result not only in significant EU fines, but also in escalating public health crises. The IDE expressed particular concern over the Government’s apparent retreat from its earlier 2:1 investment pledge in favour of public and active transport over road construction.

With economic forecasts far from certain, some of the commitments made in the plan may not transpire. But, as regards healthcare, more detail and a clearer sense of long-term ambition will be essential if this plan is to deliver meaningful and lasting reform.