Refugee treatment puts pressure on GPs

WORKLOADS for GPs treating asylum seekers and refugees have increased dramatically because of a shortage of translators and problems with medical cards.

A report in the Irish Medical Times said the lack of a ID-system for GMS patients made it difficult to tell if someone already had a medical card.

It said the transient nature of refugees and asylum seekers meant it was not easy for GPs to trace their health needs. Equally, their dispersal around the country has made it hard to confirm the validity of their medical card.