Winter is a time when most people will experience problems with both their physical and mental health. The cost of healthcare in this country is making it impossible for workers to access the care they need according to David Gardiner, Workers’ Party Palmerstown-Fonthill. “The cost of seeing a GP is at least €60, most people don’t have that amount of spare money lying around once they have paid their rent and bills. The fact is most people have their wages accounted for to the penny particularly those who have the additional burden of childcare costs.”
“The recent increases in energy are going to put severe pressure on many to be able to afford to heat their homes this winter and we have highlighted the fact many will be forced to choose between heating their homes or feeding their families. Imagine the additional amount of stress having to see a GP will put on people or even worse having to go to a dentist.” “As workers struggle to pay their rent, heat their homes, feed their families how can they afford to pay €60 to see a doctor? It’s just not possible. Sláintecare care has failed to deliver. We urgently need an NHS system, free at the point of access for all workers. No one should have to put their health at risk because they can’t afford it.”
The Workers’ Party are currently running a social media campaign #PrimaryCareFailsPatients to highlight the issues faced by working people when accessing Primary/GP Care.
