The Department of Health has taken “initial steps” to plan for a “successor reform programme” to Sláintecare.
Sláintecare is Ireland’s 10-year cross-party health strategy to transform the health system into a universal, single-tier service.
The lifetime of the strategy officially comes to an end in 2028.
A Department spokesperson told the Medical Independent (MI) that The Path to Universal Healthcare: Sláintecare & Programme for Government 2025+ (SC2025+), published in May 2025, outlines the roadmap towards a universal healthcare system in Ireland.
SC2025+ is to be implemented over the period 2025 to 2027, “recognising that some of these reforms will continue over a longer timeframe.”
“Sláintecare Action Plan 26 (SCAP26) implementation is currently underway, and preparations for development of SCAP27 will commence later in the year.”
The spokesperson added that “initial steps of planning for a successor reform programme to build on the progress made to date is underway within the Department”.
“We will continue to focus on improving access to services and patient outcomes, strengthening integrated care through the health regions and enhancing productivity and value for money within available resources.
“Rising demand driven by population change and workforce pressures will also shape priorities with a focus on progressing reforms to deliver better, faster and future ready care.”
Earlier this year, the IHCA launched FutureCare: Action Plan for Health 2026. It is a “major clinician-led reform plan” outlining the Association’s vision for the post-Sláintecare health landscape.
Separately, MI has learned that the Sláintecare programme board did not meet for five months between 24 November and 28 April. The board is co-chaired by the Secretary General of the Department of Health and HSE CEO, and reports to the Minister of Health.
The board normally meets five times a year to review quarterly progress on Sláintecare delivery, according to the Department spokesperson.
This year “scheduling conflicts” led to the planned March meeting being postponed, with drafts of the 2026 action plan and 2025 progress report instead being circulated to members for any final comment and proposed amendments.
The board’s meeting on 28 April considered Sláintecare delivery progress in the first quarter of this year.
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