COMMENT

NEWS that Minister for Health James Reilly plans to introduce free GP care for children under five is a welcome step in the right direction. However, until such time we see the colour of his money – the scheme will reportedly cost up to $450m annually – it will have to be a guarded welcome for the moment.

While the Minister’s sincerity should not be doubted, the plan to introduce free GP care for all during the lifetime of this Government seems somewhat aspirational. Putting aside the question of how our bust little nation can afford such a measure, we need to know what those in the medical profession think of the initiative.

In other words, even if the State was in a position to cough up the dosh, will the majority of GPs and the IMO be on board?

As most parents will attest, there is nothing more worrying than having a sick child. Even mild symptoms can be an indication of a more serious condition. Equally, a child that seems extremely ill can sometimes be suffering from a harmless bug that will pass quickly.

The point is it’s impossible to tell the difference without the expertise of a GP. Adults will sometimes overlook their own health but when it comes to their children, nothing is left to chance.

For some non-medical card holders, a trip to the doctor has become a luxury they can no longer afford. The imposition of a property tax and planned introduction of water charges will further erode shrinking incomes.

It is a sobering thought that people with potentially life threatening conditions might miss out on an early GP referral to a specialist because they haven’t got a spare $55 in their pocket. The long-term cost to the State of caring for these people will be substantial in terms of public healthcare and lost productivity.

That’s why the free GP for all model makes sense. It will ultimately save money in the future.

Let’s keep our fingers crossed that Minister Reilly gets the ball rolling for the under-fives at least. In terms of healthcare reform, young children are a good place to start.