Limerick senator calls for easier medical card application for cancer patients

Limerick Fine Gael Senator Maria Byrne

THE MEDICAL card application process for cancer patients must be made simpler.

Thatโ€™s according to Limerick Senator Maria Byrne who called on Health Minister Stephen Donnelly to remove the โ€œarduous application process associated with discretionary medical cardsโ€ for those with cancer or other serious illnesses.

โ€œThe stress and devastation of dealing with cancer is difficult enough for anyone without having to worry about access to health care or paying for medication,โ€ Senator Byrne said.

Cancer patients who are not eligible for a medical card can apply for one on a discretionary basis, however Senator Byrne said there is much โ€œred tapeโ€ involved.

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She called on the Health Minister to โ€œprioritise our cancer patients and streamline this unfairly complicated applicationโ€ process.