IMO President warns that 'political interference' is impacting on vulnerable patients

The President of the IMO says “political interference” is harming doctors’ ability to properly treat patients.

Dr Matthew Sadlier’s comments come on the opening day of the union’s AGM in Kildare this morning.

He singled out proposals for free GP care for children under 6, the “dangerously long hours” worked by junior doctors, and plans for Universal Health Insurance.

Dr Sadlier says the interference is already having an effect on vulnerable patients.

He says prescription charges are already forcing disadvantaged medical card holders to stop taking vital medicine.