Issue over Mayo medical card holders charged for blood tests

A Mayo elected member of the HSE West Forum has flagged concerns that medical card holders are being charged by general practitioners for blood tests.

Councillor Michael Kilcoyne has raised questions on the matter after receiving complaints.

He is seeking clarity on the matter by submitting a question to the next meeting of the forum on February 22.

It stated: "Is the cost of taking a blood sample by a GP covered in all circumstances for medical card holders?

"If not in what circumstances is it not covered?

"If a GP charges a medical card holder for taking blood in circumstances where the cost of same is covered by the medical card, what action does the HSE propose to take on the matter?"

He also wants information on how many dentists in County Mayo and in County Galway provide services to people under the medical card scheme.