Cuts target does not change medical card eligibility, says HSE chief
The head of the HSE has today insisted that nobody who deserves a medical card will lose it.
Tony O'Brien has told a Dáil committee that an overview of the medical card system is not an attempt to take cards from people who need them.
The HSE has been told to make savings of €113m next year through a review of all cards currently issued.
However, Mr O'Brien says the HSE will not take cards off worthy people just to meet its targets.
"just as our function is to ensure that there are not medical cards issued for which people are not eligible, it is equally our function, and the communications strategy that's in place at the moment is part of this, is designed to ensure that people who are eligible receive them," he said.
"The figure of €113m does not change anyone's eligibility criteria."
