All children who have been diagnosed with cancer are now entitled to receive a medical card for five years.
The change, which comes into force today as the free GP care for under sixes scheme goes live, is retrospective, meaning all children who have received cancer diagnoses since 2000 are also eligible.
Minister for Primary Care, Kathleen Lynch commented:
“Any child under the age of 18 who has had a diagnosis in the past five years will also be awarded a medical card for five years,” she said.
“This decision is welcome. It is in line with the more compassionate approach that we have adopted towards awarding discretionary medical cards. I support it and look forward to the HSE implementing it in an efficient and sensitive manner.”
