Free GP visit cards: HSE figures show thousands not applying for 'what seems a no-brainer'

The HSE said more than half of people it surveyed felt they would not qualify for the GP visit card. File photo

A scheme announced last year that made 215,000 more people eligible for free GP visit cards has seen just 35,477 new cards issued, it has emerged.

Hundreds of thousands are missing out when applying should be “a no-brainer”, said a leading GP who called for analysis of why people are reluctant to sign up.