Ireland facing 'healthcare tsunami'

Ireland is facing a "tsunami of healthcare problems" as the population ages, a GP has warned.

The Irish Medical Organisation said that future challenges will dwarf the ones currently being experienced.

By the age of 65, almost two-thirds of people will have two chronic conditions, but by the age of 85, that figure will rise to 82%.

These include heart attacks, diabetes and chronic pain.

Dr Padraig McGarry of the IMO said that GPs are meeting with the Health Minister tonight "to present the problems hat are lying ahead in relation to the healthcare tsunami that is coming down the tracks with an aging population.

"Our population is aging rapidly, and with it there will be associated healthcare requirements."