Plea for help for Mayo cancer patients experiencing financial stress

Mayo cancer patients are being left feeling distressed by the difficult experience of seeking a medical card, a TD has stated.

Deputy Alan Dillon revealed that following discussions with the staff and volunteers of the Irish Cancer Society, the problem has become even more evident.

He elaborated: "There are numerous challenges faced by people who receive devastating news of cancer diagnosis and subsequently have to go through the process of applying for a discretionary medical card.

"In these extremely challenging situations, it is crucial that we offer enhanced support for those who are confronted with weeks and months of intensive treatment, therefore alleviating the stress associated with mounting medical bills and financial hardship that often follows such distressing news."

He called on the government to consider providing immediate assistance in the form of discretionary medical cards to those cancer patients for the duration of their illness.

In reply, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said medical cards in Ireland are means-tested, so it is in almost all cases based on income.

However, medical cards are given to people who have a terminal illness, he explained.