asked the Minister for Health if he will state the class or classes of persons entitled to free medical treatment from dispensary doctors.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Free Medical Treatment.
1.
Section 14 of the Health Act, 1953, provides that a health authority shall make available, without charge, general medical services for persons who by their own industry or other lawful means are unable to provide such services for themselves and for dependants of such persons.
The health authority has the duty to determine whether a person is able to provide general medical services for himself and for his dependants. In making this determination, the health authority must have regard to the specific circumstances of the particular case.
Those persons who, on this procedure, are adjudged by the health authority to come within the scope of Section 14 of the Health Act, 1953, are entitled to free medical treatment from dispensary doctors.