A new report has suggested Kerry may need over 20 whole-time equivalent GPs if universal healthcare access is achieved.
The report, published by the Department of Health, analyses the current data available on the supply and demand of GP services across the country.
It found areas such as Kerry, Cork, Wicklow and Waterford have relatively lower numbers of daily visits per whole-time-equivalent GP.
With an average of 25 consultations per day, Kerry would require nine whole-time-equivalent GPs, but this rises to 24 required if there was universal access to healthcare.
The report also found South Kerry has a high number of general practice nurses and midwives for the population, but the ageing population means there is higher service usage for these nurses and midwives.
