asked the Minister for Health the number of persons covered by medical cards in North Tipperary at (a) 1st January, 1963, (b) 1st July, 1963, (c) 1st January, 1964, and (d) 1st April, 1964.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - North Tipperary Medical Cards.
3.
The number of persons covered by general medical services cards in County Tipperary (North Riding) was 18,227 at the 1st January, 1963.
The health authority are not in a position to furnish the information in respect of 1st July, 1963 or 1st January, 1964, as a review of the general medical services register was in progress during this period. In making the review, the health authority issued newspaper advertisements intimating that certain blocks of medical cards were being cancelled and advised persons holding these cards who wished to have their names re-entered on the register to apply to the health authority. Many eligible persons have been slow in re-applying and on 1st April, 1964, the number on the register was 13,210. This number is increasing steadily. In a recent period of a fortnight, for instance, applications covering 200 persons were received.
I understand that the automatic cancellation of cards did not operate to deprive the holders of general medical services; when out-of-date cards were presented, district medical officers afforded the necessary services and advised the holders to apply to the health authority for a new medical card.