Sir, - Much publicity has been given in recent times to the number of doctors who have quit to seek employment in fields that are less stressful. But spare a thought for those at the other end of the spectrum who cannot afford to retire. These lines are penned on my 65th birthday. Our family have provided continuous medical care to the people of Corofin since 1826, in effect spanning three centuries.
I myself have worked here for over 35 years in a single-handed rural dispensing practice with the 168-hour week being the rule rather than the exception. It is hardly necessary to spell out the difficulty of leading a normal family life that this engenders. My reward: a derisory pension of £6,200 a year.
The Irish Medical Organisation, which looks after the welfare of its members, did negotiate a tax-free gratuity of £166.66 for each year I worked in the much maligned Dispensary Service, prior to the inception of the G.M.S. in 1972. I am left with no choice but to continue my onerous task. - Yours, etc.,
Maccon J. C. MacNamara, Corofin, Co Clare.