Multiple Sclerosis - Shortage of neurologists is a disgrace

IRELAND’S failure to provide adequate treatment for MS sufferers is absolutely scandalous.

Once again, despite claiming to have one of Europe’s richest economies, this country’s appalling health service lags behind other EU states when it comes to looking after those most in need of care.

Given the stark scenario outlined at a European conference on Multiple Sclerosis, Ireland deserves to be roundly criticised for having an abysmally low neurologist-to-patient ratio.

Nationally, there are a mere 16 neurologists for 10,000 patients. This compares with 400 neurologists for 14,000 sufferers in Sweden, while the Czech Republic has 335 for 13,000 sufferers.

Shamefully, compared with Finland, which has 40 neurological units for 7,000 MS patients, Ireland has five. Even Romania has 72 units for 10,000 patients.

Filling the glaring need for more neurologists must be given top priority by the next government.