State sponsored cruelty

The Medical Card was introduced in 1970 to help people who cannot afford the high cost of doctors and medicines.

State sponsored cruelty

In 2010, the previous government introduced a levy of 50 cent per item on each prescription.

In last year’s Budget, the present government trebled that charge to €1.50 per item, subject to a maximum total charge of €19.50. That defeats the purpose of a Medical Card.

Wealthy people cannot understand that people on limited income find it quite difficult to cough up nearly €20 per month.

Let the Government draw back from the soft option of loading more on the broken-down camel’s back. For the sick and the elderly that would be State-sponsored callous cruelty.

Michael Mernagh

Raheens

Carrigaline

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