Medics want input on free treatment for under-sixes

Representatives of the Irish Medical Organisation will today meet the minister responsible for primary care, Alex White, to discuss Government plans to introduce free GP care for children under the age of six.

“Any change to contractural terms and conditions must be fully negotiated as happens in all other sectors, as to do otherwise to impose contract by diktat,” said Ray Walley, chairman of the IMO’s GP committee.

“Our view remains that the Government has given insufficient thought and planning to make this change as envisaged, and we are very sceptical of the feasibility of doing what they have set out to do.”