LRC rejects option of free smear tests

Claire O’Sullivan

Under current legislation, women with medical cards are not entitled to free smear tests, which are used to detect pre-cancerous cervical cancer cells. Medical advice suggests that all women, aged 20-65, should have these tests every three to five years.

The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) had sought to include the introduction of medical card smear tests in the terms of reference of its GMS (medical card scheme) review which is due to begin in September.