G.P. price war in Killarney ?

[cricket]

The fault is probably mine, but I cannot source a link to a story I read in the paper copy of today's Irish Times. It appears that a new G.P. practice has opened in Killarney and are advertising consultation fees of €40, €25 for second level students. They'll also provide early and late surgeries.
I think this is a welcome development. While I would prefer free universal care for everybody, the current position is that few G.P.'s will see you for less than €50, many charging up to €70 per visit which often would last just a few minutes. The recession seems to have bypassed them. Hopefully, this will be the start of a nationwide trend.

[Aindriu]

A welcome development but we do need free primary care (GP's) for all.

[toxic avenger]

Doctors open centre with cut-price fees - The Irish Times - Mon, Jan 30, 2012

[Astral Peaks]

The fault is probably mine, but I cannot source a link to a story I read in the paper copy of today's Irish Times. It appears that a new G.P. practice has opened in Killarney and are advertising consultation fees of €40, €25 for second level students. They'll also provide early and late surgeries.
I think this is a welcome development. While I would prefer free universal care for everybody, the current position is that few G.P.'s will see you for less than €50, many charging up to €70 per visit which often would last just a few minutes. The recession seems to have bypassed them. Hopefully, this will be the start of a nationwide trend.

Here ya go!
Doctors open centre with cut-price fees - The Irish Times - Mon, Jan 30, 2012

The practice is being set up Dr Michael Moloney, the son of Killarney Labour Senator Marie Moloney and Dr Michael O’Doherty, the brother of Fianna Fáil Killarney town councillor Tom O’Doherty.

[statsman]

Here ya go!
Doctors open centre with cut-price fees - The Irish Times - Mon, Jan 30, 2012

A cross-party political dynasty doctor's surgery. In Kerry. And not a Healy-Rae in sight? Must be a spoof story.

[Mitsui2]

From the IT report:

The Killarney Medical Centre in New Street is offering “a basic consultation” for €40....This is well below the €50-€65 charged by most practices for a visit to a GP in the area....The advertisement, the first of its kind by a medical practice locally, is being viewed by locals as the start of a price war.

I can picture it now - other local GPS rushing to undercut them - "3 blood-tests for the price of 2" offers - BOGOF deals on prescriptions....
special "Race To The Bottom" promotions as the GPS compete on price for the pile-treatment market...

Hope this story runs and runs - once you hit 50 it's a rare and welcome treat to find something that combines doctors and laughs.

[ivnryn]

Isn't there a rule that doctors aren't allowed to advertise?

[NunoF]

A welcome development but we do need free primary care (GP's) for all.

Nothing is free. Someone will pay for it.

[butterbox]

Nothing is free. Someone will pay for it.

There's a difference between free and reasonable.

[Aindriu]

"Nothing is free. Someone will pay for it." --- Universal national insurance a la the UK National Insurance contributions? Still free at the point of delivery.