asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm that all old age pensioners may be granted medical cards by health authorities.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Medical Cards for Old Age Pensioners.
46.
All those who are getting non-contributory old age pensions are automatically given a medical card on application for it.
Persons getting contributory old age pensions, which, of course, are paid without regard to their means, may get a medical card if their financial position is such that they cannot pay for the general practitioner care they need.
Is the Minister aware that, when the card expires, the holder is told to return the card and a new one will be issued? In a particular case, a non-contributory old age pensioner has been waiting three months for a card, having returned the old card, and is deprived of drugs in the meantime. Can nothing be done to expedite the issue of these cards?
The Deputy knows the health authority is responsible for issuing cards.
There should be some direction from the Department of Health.
If there is an isolated case of delay, the Deputy should bring it to the notice of the Minister.
In this particular case, the woman is in need of treatment for blood pressure and she is not getting the sustained treatment she should and, because of that, is running a grave risk of severe complications and a deterioration in her condition because of the delay in issuing the card.
If the Deputy will send particulars, the Minister will see that something is done about it.
I have sent particulars.
To the Minister?
To the local authority. I sent particulars on 10th May and this is now 6th June.