A study funded by the Health Research Board (HRB), and co-authored by researchers in University College Cork and Trinity College Dublin, has revealed that prescription charges on the medical card scheme led to reductions in the use of medicines by Irish patients, with some types of medicines being affected more than others.
The IMO has backed a motion calling for the Minister for Health in the next Budget to reverse the policy of prescription charges.
By Lloyd Mudiwa.
By Gary Culliton No prescribed item will cost the HSE less than the €2.
By Gary Culliton.
Instead of charging medical card holders for the privilege, Dr Ruairi Hanley believes a cap on the number of free GP visits should be introduced to save money and curb abuse.
By Dara Gantly The Minister for Health said he regretted that, due to the current financial climate, he was not in a position to remove the 50c prescription charge for medical card holders, but stressed he had rule out any further increase in Budget 2012.
Dara Gantly on the kites and clues ahead of the budget that indicate which way the wind might blow for our health service.
Dr Ruairi Hanley explains why he believes the new Minister for Health Dr James Reilly should keep Mary Harney’s controversial prescription charge in place.
The new 50 cent prescription charge, announced in Budget 2010, will be introduced on 1 October next in respect of each prescription item dispensed to medical card holders.
Irish Medical Times Medical News for Healthcare Professionals