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Expansion Of GP Cards To Children Aged Six And Seven Is 'Worrying'

Friday, 11 August 2023 10:13

It comes following registration opening for children to access the cards from today.

Doctors say the Government's expansion of GP cards to children aged six and seven is 'worrying'. 

It comes as parents can register their children for the visit cards from today. 

It was announced in Budget 2023 but was delayed by opposition from GPs, saying they would be unable to cope with the additional workload. 

Offaly Senator and Minister of State Pippa Hackett says the Government is committed to making healthcare more accessible and affordable, and the further expansion of the GP Visit card, alongside other significant measures. 

She says further measure to expand free GP care to people earning up to the median income will come later this year and that that means that approximately 500,000 additional individuals will become eligible. 

Dr Denis McCauley, member of the GP sub-Committee of the Irish Medical Organisation, says the expansion will impact the recruitment and retention of GPs. 

GP in Boston Health Centre, Portlaoise, Dr Ashfaq Ahmad, says while the idea is good there are not enough GPs at the moment:

Galway GP, Dr. Martin Daly, says there is a capacity crisis in general practice: 

 

 

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