CONCERN has been expressed that GP and dental practices in the county are not in a position to take on any new patients with medical cards during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Cllr Michael Cahill said constituents have raised the matter with him and he described it as a dangerous situation with people in a sheer state of panic wondering how to deal with their health issues.
“I have been contacted by individuals in Killarney, Killorglin, Caherciveen, Dingle and other parts of Kerry who are extremely angry in regard to this matter. One mother said it was unbearable to watch her seven-year-old daughter suffer,” he said.
Cllr Cahill added: “We are talking about people who cannot afford private health insurance and in many cases people that are not in a position to pay a doctor or a dentist.”
He said the HSE needs to immediately advise how this situation came to pass and what solutions can now be put in place.
“If you or your loved ones have health issues, you are entitled to be seen by the appropriate health professional and the HSE must ensure that this is the position” Cllr Cahill stated.
“This is another stress and strain that does not need to be landed on the shoulders of an already over-burdened public.
“We need immediate assurances that everybody’s needs will be seen to and seen to now. There is no point in having a medical card if you cannot use it,” he added.
