Summer date for free GP care despite doctors’ fears

The Government has ramped up the pressure on doctors over health service reform plans by insisting free GP care for children under six and the elderly will be introduced by summer.

The target date for free over-70s and under-sixes care was confirmed at a cabinet meeting yesterday, despite the fact just one of the policies has been negotiated with doctors’ unions.

While the policies will assist in freeing up hospital services, the Irish Medical Organisation has repeatedly raised concerns about overloading doctors.