asked the Minister for Health whether he is aware that sick persons in Limerick City have on occasions to wait several hours before being attended by a dispensary doctor because of his being engaged on other cases, and, if so, if he will arrange to have a central bureau set up in the city for the purpose of arranging for prompt medical attention in necessitous cases.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Medical Services.
I am not aware that sick persons in Limerick City experience undue delay in obtaining the services of the dispensary doctor and I do not consider that the establishment of a central bureau in the city as suggested by the Deputy is necessary.
asked the Minister for Health whether he is aware of the difficulty in securing medical attention at night in Cork City, and, if so, if he will discuss the matter with the I.M.A., with a view to making arrangements whereby the citizens will know what doctors are available from time to time for night calls.
I presume that the Deputy is referring to general practitioner medical services.
I am not aware of difficulty in securing medical attention at night in Cork City and consequently the remainder of the question does not arise. In any event, however, I have no functions in this matter except in regard to persons to whom Section 14 of the Health Act, 1953, applies, that is persons who are unable by their own industry or other lawful means to provide such services for themselves and their dependents. There has been no change in the arrangement under which the services of district medical officers are available to such persons at any time, day or night, as needed.
Is the Minister not aware that on more than one occasion the Cork Corporation has expressed its concern and dissatisfaction at the difficulties experienced by citizens who require medical attention at night? Is he further aware that representatives of the local I.M.A. have not cooperated with Cork Corporation to the extent that one might expect? In view of that, would the Minister undertake to take the matter up with the I.M.A.?
I am not so aware. The position in Cork, as elsewhere, in relation to general medical services is that the service of the dispensary doctor of the district concerned is available in case of need at any time, day or night.