One in five young people cannot afford doctor visit

ONE in five young people avoid going to a doctor when ill because of the costs involved, according to a newnational survey.

Thu, 25 Jun, 2009 - 01:00

Scott Millar

The survey of 18-25 year olds also reveals a generation of young adults under increasing economic strain, the consequences of which are preventing them taking full advantage of health and educational opportunities.

Speaking at the release of their “The Truth About Youth” report, National Youth Council of Ireland director Mary Cunningham warned that the impact of the recession will have devastating repercussions for many young adults.

“The research clearly confirms that many young people are prevented from availing of health services due to an inability to pay and as a result many feel their health is far from good.”

Ms Cunningham also warned against allowing young people to drift into a “cycle of long-term unemployment similar to the 1980s” and said that government action was needed now to aid entry into further education.

The survey of 1,000 18 to 25-year-olds from all parts of the country also revealed how more than half of respondents felt that cost was now an important barrier to returning to studies.

The survey also reveals that only 15% of 22 to 25-year-olds are hopeful of buying a house within the next year, a stark reversal of the huge increase in home ownership among young people during Celtic Tiger years.

Reacting to the survey Labour spokeswoman on Heath Jan O’Sullivan said the impact of financial strain on health was of particular concern for the future.

“On average it costs €50 for a GP visit and that is obviously very prohibitive for young people who usually do not have large incomes. This 20% statistic is a very serious indictment of the provision of health care in this country.”

“The only way that financial concerns can be removed from medical treatment in such cases is by having a universal health insurance system whereby primary care would be free at the point of entry under a national insurance scheme,” Ms O’Sullivan added.