GPs fear seriously ill not getting state cover

Two leading GP groups are seeking meetings with the HSE over fears that seriously ill patients are not receiving help under the discretionary medical card scheme.

The Irish Medical Organisation and the Irish College of General Practitioners said their members have raised concerns over patients who they believe are being blocked from supports which should be available.

In separate statements to the Irish Examiner, both bodies said they were aware of specific patient issues surrounding discretionary medical cards — which have witnessed a 25% drop in numbers since 2010.