Cancer doctor warns of two-tier health system emerging due to insurance

Oncologist Michael McCarthy said people in Ireland without health insurance are unable to access cutting-edge cancer treatment available to people with insurance

Michael McCarthy: 'I suspect that at some stage in the next year there will be somebody like Vicky Phelan who will take it up very publicly.' Picture: Ray Ryan

Does the patient have insurance?

If you watch American medical dramas, you know when the answer is ‘no’ only an emotional showdown between medics and managers can help that patient.