Free GP care for under-six children commences

More than 79,000 children entitled to free GP care following registration

More than 79,000 children registered by their parents for the Government’s under-sixes scheme are entitled to free GP care from today.

Under the scheme, children aged under six can visit their GP for free, provided the doctor has signed up. Despite initial resistance, the majority of GPs in most areas have now agreed to provide services under the scheme.

The children are entitled to health assessments at age two and five. According to the HSE, 23 of the 32 local health offices have 80 per cent or more of their GPs signed up.

Parents can still register their children on gpvisitcard.ie.

Paul Cullen

Paul Cullen

Paul Cullen is Health Editor of The Irish Times