West Clare GP Refutes Health Minister's Claim That Ireland Is On The Road To Universal Healthcare

A West Clare GP believes Ireland is a "long way" from universal healthcare in spite of recent progress. The government has announced details of the extension of free GP care which will broaden eligibility to children aged 6 and 7 as well as all those earning no more than the median income of €47,000. The move is expected to enable over 500,000 individuals to access GP care without charges and Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has described it as a "landmark day on our journey towards providing universal healthcare for all our people". However, Lahinch-based GP Dr Michael Kelleher says ongoing funding and staffing issues make free healthcare for all a distant prospect.