Action against free U6 GP care dropped
The case, brought by Clare GP Yvonne Williams, was backed by the National Association of General Practitioners. However, the association received legal advice last Sunday that it was increasingly unlikely the case would succeed and losing would prove costly.
Dr Williams was seeking to preserve the existing GMS contract and her main argument had been the forced removal of her existing under-six patients.
The association said the doctor’s case for an injunction was “significantly” diluted when the Department of Health announced that the removal of patients would be postponed until the end of the summer.
The doctors’ group was also aware that more GPs were signing up to provide free GP care for the under-sixes until it became “undeniable” that over 50% had done so. Around 70% of GPs have now signed up but there are still areas of the country where there are gaps in coverage.
Health Minister Leo Varadkar said the withdrawal of the case removed any remaining uncertainty and should encourage the remaining GPs to sign up.
Minister for Primary Care and Social Care, Kathleen Lynch, said the development would allow young parents to have the option of staying with their family GP.
Over 20,000 parents have registered their children for the scheme that commences on July 1.
However, only six GPs in south Tipperary have signed up and yesterday association members in the region sent an open letter to Health Minister, Leo Varadkar, to meet them and address their concerns.
“Given that government policy is clear on the provision of medical cards for the under-sixes, it’s not clear what purpose any such meeting would serve,” said a spokesperson for the minister.
