A North Clare doctor is calling on the Government to hold off on plans to increase the eligibility criteria for access to free GP services until the correct structures are in place to deal with added demand.
The Department of Health has announced a Strategic Review of General Practice, but the IMO is expressing concern that it follows plans to add upwards of almost half a million to the number of people who will be entitled to free GP services.
Most GPs have closed their lists to new patients and the Irish Medical Organisation fears delays in accessing GP care will worsen.
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Lahinch-based IMO member, Dr Michael Kelleher, says time is needed to ensure the system can cope before any final decision is made.
Listen to the full interview below
