IMO irate at ‘political stunt’ of free care for under-5s

Health Minister James Reilly’s plan to give free GP care to the under-fives is a “political stunt” that fails to take account of real health service needs.

Reacting to reports that today’s budget announcement will contain the policy, the Irish Medical Organisation said while the change may be popular to some families, it will take vital funds from other sections.

The free GP care move is part of Dr Reilly’s long-stated aim to revolutionise the health service, and is seen as a first step towards a widening of the “no-cost” move to the rest of the population.