IMO warns on extending free GP care

Health Minister James Reilly is “sleepwalking” the public into a primary care crisis by extending free GP care to patients with long- term illnesses, doctors have claimed.

Speaking before a meeting on the issue today, Dr Ray Walley, chairman of the Irish Medical Organisation GP committee, said the minister risked overloading over-stretched GP practices.

Thousands of people on long-term illness schemes will soon receive free GP care via the medical card system.