An open letter signed by 39 GPs in the area was sent to Leo Varadkar seeking a meeting to discuss their concerns at the impact the free scheme will have however, that request has been denied.
South Tipperary GPs have said they are extremely disappointed that the Minister for Health has refused to meet with them to discuss their patient safety concerns in relation to the under-6s scheme.
In an open letter to the Minister last week, the GPs expressed their concern that the increased demand, reduced consultation time and waiting list which would arise as a result of the scheme.
They called on Minister Varadkar to meet with them to discuss the situation and to engage with them to ensure that the safety of their patients was given priority.
However, in a letter received by the South Tipperary GPs this weekend, Minister Varadkar refused the request.
Of the 51 General Practitioners in South Tipperary just 7 have signed contracts for the free GP care for Under 6s scheme – made up of 5 different doctors with some operating two offices.
The doctors opposed to the plans have thanked local political representatives for their support and say they will now refocus their efforts on ensuring that their patients are aware of the risks involved in delivering this flawed contract but they will not be signing up to it.
