GPs signed up for plan ‘under duress’

The National Association of General Practitioners has claimed the “vast, vast majority” of GPs around the country who have signed the contract to provide free care for under-6s have done so “under duress”.

The association yesterday called on Health Minister Leo Varadkar to meet with members to discuss concerns over the contract, which has just come into effect, and the future of general practice in Ireland.

They also assured parents that doctors who have not signed up to the under-6s scheme are not about to abandon children in that age group and will try to get the HSE to cover the cost of GP visits.