Sir, - I am amused at the delight and excitement of some of my prosperous over-70s patients as they entertain the prospect of their not having to pay for their GP care in the future. It is in striking contrast to the demoralisation of those patients at the other end of the scale who are not prosperous but earn sufficient to deny them the medical card. They invariably don't get adequate GP care since they cannot afford it and don't visit the doctor unless absolutely necessary. It's a funny old world! - but who's laughing? - Yours etc.,
David O'Kelly GP, Newtownpark Ave., Blackrock, Co Dublin.