Primary Care Division

The Primary Care Division is responsible for developing and overseeing implementation of policy in relation to primary care, including integrated multidisciplinary care provided by the Health Service Executive (HSE) and contracted providers.

Amongst key services within its remit are those provided directly or under contract in respect of general medical services, community pharmacy, oral and optical healthcare and the services of a range of other community-based health professionals.

The Primary Care Division is also responsible for management and development of the statutory framework for eligibility for health and personal social services, including:

• medical card and GP visit card schemes
• international and cross-border eligibility arrangements
• policy on the pricing and reimbursement arrangements for medicines, and pharmaceutical products
• ensuring that appropriate statutory provisions are in place to control drugs and precursor substances in accordance with national policy and international conventions
• ensuring that there is appropriate regulation of pharmaceutical products, pharmacy services and medical devices