Fewer medical cards for poorer counties
The Ministers for Health and Finance should conduct an immediate review of the system.
In July 2004 there were 18,404 medical card-holders in Cavan - a drop of 3,626 since January 1997. Monaghan now has 16,520 people with a medical card - an even more dramatic drop of 5,977 since January ‘97. This new data shows that the Cavan/Monaghan constituency has suffered a huge reduction in medical cards despite a number of trends which suggest more help is needed - not less.
For instance, Cavan and Monaghan have below the average national income. Nationally, we have lost 50,000 medical cards since the 2002 general election when, in fact, 200,000 new medical cards were promised. Many of those who have lost cards badly need them and can’t afford to go to the doctor. There are many genuine cases of hardship. Many are being ruled out of order for being only a handful of euro over the eligibility limit.
This has to change.
Sean McKiernan
Trinity Bungalow
Virginia Road
Bailieboro
Co Cavan
