Next week’s budget will see the government scrape another €3 billion out of their spending, in order to continue making cuts to reach agreed targets with IMF/ECB. In another highly controversial and impacting move, the Irish Government are now looking at a radical overhaul of the medical card system.
The medical card gives certain medical services free of charge to the card holder, including GP visits and prescriptions. At the moment around 1.4 million Irish people hold a medical and the cost to the state, according to a report by the Irish Medical Times on the 12th of September, is close to €1.6 billion.
The medical card is means tested and usually only awarded to people earning less than 10,036 per year.
New System
Under the new proposed system, to help save the exchequer over €1.2 billion, the medical cards will be replaced with “Get Well Soon” cards. Now, instead of receiving the necessary medical care when one is sick, the government will send out cards with positive messages on them in a bid to lift the spirits of those afflicted with illness.
The government have signed a 4 year deal with American card company Hallmark, who will provide the cards to be sent out.
Science
The government have defended their position on the new system to be put in place, citing evidence from the field of psycho-neuro-immunology. Psycho-neuro-immunology is the study of how the psychology and mindset of a person can impact on their own immune system.
Studies have proven in recent years, that being in a better mood and having a more positive outlook on life can positive effect one’s health and one’s recovery from illness. The government are standing by the new move and commented through a press release earlier that:
Everybody loves getting cards in the post. There is a significant improvement on your mood when someone wishes you well. Not only is the message nice but also knowing that someone, somewhere is thinking about you makes it far easier to cope with your illness and make a speedy recovery. This really is a win win. People will feel better and we’ll save a huge amount on our expenditure.
So, you you think replacing the Medical Card system with a Get Well Soon Card system is a good move? Let us know on our poll below.
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