Healthcare System (Ireland)

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Ireland operates a complex healthcare system with both public and private providers and payers. The Health Service Executive (HSE) is the primary provider, delivering health and social care services both directly and through contracted professionals. While there is access to public healthcare for all residents, Ireland does not have universal primary care coverage, and the access to and charges for services depend on an individual's circumstances.

The population is divided into two categories. About 36% of the population holds medical cards, allocated primarily based on a low income, which grants them access to certain services without charge, including GP and hospital care, and lower costs for prescription medicines. Around 64% of the population does not have a medical card, although some of this group (about 10% of the total population) holds a GP visit card, granting free GP care. This includes all children under 6 and adults above 70, regardless of income.

Despite public access, the two-tier system means many public services have substantial waiting lists. To bypass these, around 46% of the population have private health insurance (PHI), providing preferential access to some services. It should be noted that there is a portion of the population (around 20%) that is not covered by either a medical card, a GP visit card, or PHI.

The HSE and other specialized agencies manage health data, including claims data and registries. Implementation of a unified electronic health record system has been an ongoing effort, with many hospitals and clinics maintaining individual systems. Privacy and security are ensured according to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).