Health underfunding to top agenda at IMO conference

Equity and quality in the health service is the theme for this year's Irish Medical Organisation's annual conference, which begins today in Killarney.

The IMO, which is the sole representative body for the medical profession, said successive administrations have pledged to develop the health service, but that it continues to suffer from a lack of finance.

The organisation said this has led to widespread disappointment and disillusionment for healthcare providers and patients.

A recent IMO benchmark survey also showed all doctors consider the services to be chronically underfunded.

Health Minister Micheal Martin is to outline the Government's priorities for future healthcare when he addresses the four-day conference this afternoon.