GP visit card plans will lead to waiting lists and pressure on primary care, says doctor

“This to me is a political sop, there's no medical benefit in doing this."

The free visit card would put “huge pressure” on the primary care system, particularly the out-of-hours service as many patients do not have a GP, said Dr Stack.

Killarney GP Gary Stack has warned that plans to give a GP visit card to 430,000 in the Budget will lead to waiting lists for GP appointments and put pressure on primary care.

Dr Stack told RTÉ radio’s Morning Ireland that the proposal will affect patients who need care.