Cautious welcome for return of medical cards

Patients, disability groups, and organisations looking after terminally ill children all welcomed the return of medical cards to 15,300 people who lost them since the controversial 2011 cull began — but warned the Government they are closely watching their next steps.

Down Syndrome Ireland is asking that families are compensated for any money they spent on doctors, medication, or medical equipment during the period they were without a medical card. The Irish Patients Association and the Jack and Jill Foundation have asked how the U-turn will affect people whose discretionary medical cards came up for review after May 31.