But doctors say the Governments expansion of visit cards is 'worrying'
Almost 80 thousand children across the country aged aged 6 and 7 will be able to gain access to free GP visits from today.
Parents can register their kids for the visit cards on the HSE website.
While doctor visits will be completely free of charge, medicines will still have to be paid for.
Its the latest part of government plans to extend free care to a further half a million people.
But doctors say the Government's expansion of GP cards to children aged six and seven is 'worrying'.
It was announced in Budget 2023 but was delayed by opposition from GPs, saying they would be unable to cope with the additional workload.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has said the change will ensure cost is not a barrier to accessing healthcare.
"This expansion of the GP visit card scheme marks a significant milestone as we provide families with access to free GP care for children up to seven-years-old, extending care for an extra two years of a child’s life," he said.
"I am committed to ensuring that cost will not be a barrier for children’s healthcare.
"Ensuring that children in Ireland can visit their GP for free gives them access to healthcare at the right time to help ensure their long-term health and wellbeing," he added.
