Large investors’ involvement in Ireland's primary care centres

BACKGROUND: In 2001, Ireland announced a Primary Care Strategy that has led to the implementation of primary care centres (PCCs) throughout the country. This presentation examines the nature and extent of private sector involvement in establishing the PCC network since 2001, focusing on large global investors. METHODS: A dataset on all primary care centres in Ireland was constructed, comprising information on geographical location, the year that it became operational, and its delivery mode (public procurement, lease, or public-private partnership). A survey of large investment patterns was also conducted through the grey literature and news reports. RESULTS: By 2023, 172 PCCs are planned to be operational, developed through public, leased or public-private partnerships arrangements. Before 2009, PCCs were delivered by traditional public procurement, but since 2009, private delivery methods have been prioritized. Leased primary care centres have been attractive for large institutional investors attracted by stable rental income. This paper surveys the patterns and trends involved. CONCLUSIONS: Trends in large multinational and domestic investments in the primary care market should be documented systematically because they have the potential to transform the existing PCC network and primary care system.