Free GP care for under sixes by July, despite GP objections

The Cabinet-signalled free GP care for children under six will be pushed through by July, despite the medical profession insisting the initiative is unworkable.

Junior health minister Alex White urged doctors to reopen negotiations on implementing the reform after ministers gave it their official backing.

The Cabinet approved the Health (General Practitioners Service) Bill 2014, and its provisions are to be unveiled next week. However, the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) is unhappy with the proposals, warning the move could “overwhelm” GP surgeries.