Six month delay for primary medical certs

TD seeks answers from HSE and Minister for Health

Answers have been sought as to why primary medial certificates are being delayed.

Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan, Monaghan and North Meath, Niamh Smyth, raised the issue with the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly TD.

“Many people are currently facings delays in receiving their medical certificates. I have raised the issue with my colleague Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly,” Deputy Smyth commented.

In response to a query submitted by Deputy Smith, the HSE outlined that the service has been affected by a number of issues in the last 18 months, not least the Covid 19 pandemic response.

Unfortunately, they accept, there remains “a large number of applicants” on the waiting list, which is approximately six months for primary medical certificates.

“These applications are being prioritised accordingly,” informs Deputy Smyth. “I was informed that the service regrets any delay in these assessments and that they are doing their best to progress same.”

The HSE also noted that other commitments for the department are also impacted including the Child Health and the School Vaccination Programmes which is contributing to the delay of the medical certificates being processed. “The department is also running at reduced staffing capacity,” said the local TD.