State sponsored cruelty

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

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