We need your help now
Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.
You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.
If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.
Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
By continuing, you are indicating that you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
THE TRICKLE OF parents registering for free GP care for the under sixes has shown that there will not be a rush of children being needlessly brought to doctors surgeries, the Minister for Health has claimed.
Leo Varadkar made the comment as the scheme reached the landmark of 100,000 children being signed up.
Concerns still surround the service, with 14% of GPs yet to put their name to it.
The 100,000 who have signed up, combined with 150,000 children with existing medical cards, represents 60% of all under-sixes.
The Minister said he expects more parents to register over coming months.
“This gradual registration shows that parents are not rushing to be able to bring their children to a doctor and are likely to attend only as their child needs to be seen,” the Minister for Health said.
It reassures me that concerns that parents will flood GP surgeries with children who do not need to see a doctor are not well founded.
Varadkar previously told GPs opposed to the scheme to “cop on” and is still facing opposition from members of the National Organisation of General Practitioners (NAGP) who say it will substantially increase their workloads.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
have your say