A Lahinch-based doctor says lack of investment in GP services in rural areas has plunged the service into a crisis not seen since the eighties.
Dr Michael Kelleher is one of a number of GPs who are calling for support for their "Save General Practise Campaign".
It claimed there's now a pressing need for resources in rural general practise, the lack of which has plunged the service into a crisis not seen in Ireland since the mid-eighties.
Community general practise receives less than 2.5 per cent of the overall Health Budget, despite having 90 per cent of the patient contacts in the health service.
Lahinch-based Doctor Michael Kelleher says there's now an inability to deal with the rapidly growing demographic shift in rural areas with a growing elder population.
Eighteen areas across the country including Feakle in Clare have no resident GP, meaning people have to travel some distance to see their doctor, while out-of-hours services in the county have been reduced on a number of occasions due to a lack of cover.
Dr Kelleher says its becoming increasingly harder to provide facilities for the people of Clare.
The Chairman of the HSE's Health Forum West says a reduction in out of hours GP services in Clare is evidence that the Government's health plan isn't working.
41 people were waiting on trolleys at the region's main hospital yesterday according to figures released by the Irish Nurses and Midwives organisation.
Tom Mc Namara says overcrowding could be reduced if further investment in GP services is granted.
