Kerry Sinn Féin councilor Toireasa Ferris has advised medical card holders that they should not be charged for blood tests.
Councillor Ferris made the statement after the issue had been raised with her by constituents.
A Number of Constituents
” I have been contacted by a number of constituents, one of whom is a patient recovering from cancer and I have told them and I would urge anyone in a similar situation to contact the HSE for a full reimbursement which they are entitled to,” said Cllr. Ferris.
Free Medical Services
“Under the Health Act 1970, it is stated that a general practitioner may not charge the patient if the patient is eligible for free general medical services, including in the event that a patient needs bloods to be taken to either assist in the process of diagnosis or monitor a diagnosed condition.
“Patients have enough to worry about than being billed for something they are entitled to free of charge,’ she said.
Dáil Éireann Question
Cllr. Ferris also refers to a parliamentary question by her party colleague, Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, TD for Cavan – Monaghan:
“I seek to establish the level of the Minister of State’s awareness of the uncertainty and the lack of clarity surrounding general practitioners charging medical card holders for blood tests. What steps are being taken to eliminate the ambiguity in this matter?
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