Ireland is failing people with epilepsy and other mental conditions, it was claimed today.
As figures revealed the country has only 16 neurologists for a population of 4.1 million, Fine Gael MEP Mairead McGuinness said the lack of support for epileptics was distressing. "I would be concerned that in Ireland, with such a limited number of specialists and long waiting lists, people are not receiving the immediate care and treatment that they need to lead normal lives," the MEP said.
The European Parliament heard Ireland has the lowest ratio of neurologists per head of population in the EU — one for every 256,000 people — with waiting lists of up to three years for an appointment with one.
Ms McGuinness, MEP for the eastern region, said up to 80 per cent of those diagnosed with epilepsy can lead normal lives if they are properly treated. But speaking following a public hearing to raise awareness about epilepsy she claimed the lack of support for sufferers was distressing.
"We also heard today concerns raised about generic drugs and the need to ensure that where such drugs are given to patients with epilepsy that they are of the same standard as branded drugs," Ms McGuinness said.
"Again this is to ensure that people with epilepsy receive the highest quality of treatment to allow them lead normal lives."
PA