asked the Minister for Health if he will state in respect of Cork City how many holders of medical cards did not re-apply to have their cards renewed on the occasion of the last general revision; and if he is aware that many persons did not so re-apply because of their experience of the unsatisfactory services provided by some dispensary doctors and official compounders.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Renewal of Medical Cards in Cork.
The revision of its medical services register by the South Cork Board of Public Assistance is a continuing process; a complete revision is carried out over a period of 12 months.
In the nine dispensary districts comprising the city and adjoining built up area of the county, the number of medical cards on issue that lapsed during the year 1959 because the holders did not apply to have them renewed was 1,913.
It has not been reported to me that any of the persons who did not so re-apply failed to do so because of their experience of unsatisfactory services provided by some dispensary doctors and official compounders.
If the Deputy is, in fact, aware of any instance in which any such officer gave unsatisfactory service, and furnishes particulars to me, I shall have the complaint investigated.