asked the Minister for Health what categories of persons qualify for medical carde, and what conditions must be fulfilled before an applicant is granted a card; further, whether possession of such a card automatically entitles the holder to the maternity cash grant.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Medical Cards.
asked the Minister for Health if he will state the benefits to which holders of medical cards are entitled, and the procedure which must be followed by applicants for such cards.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 88 and 89 together.
Persons who are unable to provide by their own industry or other lawful means a general medical and surgical service for themselves or their dependents are entitled to have their names entered in the General Medical Services Register and to be issued with a medical card. A person who wishes to have his name entered on the register must make application to the health authority of the area in which he resides. Holders of medical cards and their dependents are eligible to obtain a general practitioner medical and surgical service, institutional and specialist services and, provided they satisfy the prescribed conditions, maternity cash grants and free milk under Section 24 of the Health Act, 1953.