asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that the obligation for payment, before treatment, of 7/6 for an X-ray, and 2/6 for any other specialist service is the cause of grave hardship to working class families not in possession of medical service cards, and, if so, whether he will take steps to rectify the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Medical Treatment Charges.
I am not aware of any hardship arising from the charges for X-ray and other specialist services for which only persons in the middle income group are liable. The services are made available free of charge to persons in the lower income group, and also to maternity patients, infants up to six weeks of age and pupils of national schools in respect of defects discovered at school health examinations.
To assist health authorities and the staffs of hospitals and clinics in the determination of applications for services, patients seeking the X-ray or other specialist services free of charge, are usually required to furnish evidence that they are, in fact, in the lower income or other exempted groups, e.g. by producing a General Medical Services Card. I understand that such patients, even though not in a position to prove their entitlement to free services when attending the clinic, are in cases of urgency, provided with the necessary services subject to subsequent investigation of their claims.
Is the Minister not aware that in very many urgent cases, where a person is called upon in an emergency to pay these fees and is unable to do so, he finds himself in a very embarrassing situation and will not get the services without prior payment?
I am not so aware.
The Minister should ask some of the members of local authorities and they will tell him.
I have conclusive evidence to the contrary.