Crocus Cancer Support Centre in Monaghan has welcomed the abolition of the public inpatient charge which was announced today. The Government approved the measure which will see the charge of €80 per day coming to an end in all public hospitals across the country.
Martin Maguire from Crocus Men's Den in Monaghan says there is a sense of relief at the announcement by those who are availing of cancer treatments. Speaking to Northern Sound, he highlighted how a diagnosis is so overwhelming that it impacts the person emotionally, psychological, physically and financially.
Martin called on the Government to reinstate the Medical Card to people who are diagnosed with cancer. "When you get that diagnosis when you are in hospital - I was there myself for seven and a half weeks before I started treatment - and that was a long stay.
"We were lucky because we did get the medical card but we had to fight for it. There are people - especially in the present time when things are tight and the country is on its knees and there are a lot of bills to pay - and people are facing up to those bills and some are thinking can I afford to get treatment?
"But you have to go; you have to look after your health," added Martin.
