Doctors urged to join under 6s scheme or 'be left behind'

Doctors who have not signed up to the Government's free GP scheme for under 6s are being urged to do so, or risk being left behind.

10,000 children have been signed up since this morning, with 63% of GPs now on board.

But some rural areas are not well served by GPs who have signed up, including parts of south Tipperary and East Cork.

Primary Care Minister Kathleen Lynch believes that more doctors will sign up.

"There is a worry around the more rural areas, but I do believe that when parents go in and ask their GPs why they have not signed up, that will right itself," said Minister Lynch.

"I belive that the volume of contracts coming through will also make GPs realise that this is the future, there is no going back. This train is leaving the station and we would encourage everyone to sign up," said the Minister.

Health Minister Leo Varadkar rejected calls from GPs for an emergency meeting with him over the free under 6's scheme.

He said that no basis for such a meeting exists as the scheme is "done" and "happening".

Leo Varadkar has said that doctors need to get on board as this is only the start of offering free doctor visits to everyone.