The ongoing uncertainty regarding the future of a GP service in Bansha will be addressed at a meeting to take place in the village tonight.
In the New Year the current GP for the area intends to retire. However, locals are concerned that an HSE decision to withdraw the Rural Practice Allowance will deter any prospective GPs for locating their practice in the area, thus leaving Bansha and a considerable amount of the surrounding hinterland with no local service.
Yesterday the HSE was requested to reinstate the allowance and to re-advertise the position.
So far though, no commitment has been given to meet the local demand.
Tonight’s meeting, which takes place at 7.30 is expected to be attended by local political representatives, and a representative of the Irish Medical Organisation is also due to attend.
While local government representatives are hopeful of a resolution, the people of Bansha remain adamant that they will not give up their fight on issue until a full-time doctor is in place in the village. The meeting takes place in the local GAA centre at 7.30pm.
