asked the Minister for Health when he intends to provide a medical doctor for the town of Arva, County Cavan.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cavan Doctor.
68.
The provision of general practitioner services for eligible patients is a matter for the North Eastern Health Board in the first instance. I am informed that a satisfactory service is being provided in Arva for these patients and that it is not considered necessary to appoint a general practitioner for the town.
Is the Minister aware that this town serves three counties and the corners of three provinces and the nearest doctor is in Killeshandra, which is regarded by the inhabitants of Arva as too far away? Would it be possible to have consultations between the North Eastern, the North Western and the Midland Health Boards with a view to remedying this situation?
There have not been any complaints about the medical service as far as medical card holders are concerned. It seems the difficulty is in respect of those with limited eligibility or those with no eligibility whatsoever. It is not the function of the health board to do what the Deputy asks but I am sure my Department would consider the possibility of persuading — that is the appropriate word — some medical practitioner to be near at hand. I believe the present medical officer lives in Killeshandra. I do not know what the distance is between Arva and Killeshandra. I do not know whether it is six, ten or 20 miles, but I would like to emphasise to the Deputy that the responsibility of the North Eastern Health Board is in respect of medical card holders.
I understand that.