Children with asthma going without vital medication because their parents can’t afford it, new survey finds
https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/health/children-with-asthma-going-without-vital-medication-because-their-parents-cant-afford-it-new-survey-finds/a731866918.html
Posted by PoppedCork
8 Comments
It’s grim that in 2026 we still have kids going without the medication they need to breathe because their parents can’t afford it. One in ten children with asthma missing meds isn’t a statistic it’s families choosing between bills and keeping their child out of hospital. If the preferred inhalers actually prevent attacks, why aren’t they free for the kids who need them.
The Americanisation of Ireland continues space. We’ve always known money is more important than people to FFG, but it’s deeply pissoffy to see it shown so clearly when it comes to kids.
A friend of mine was pushed out of eligibility for a medical card (for her and her child) by the paltry bump in Working Family Payment. So she has to make calls like this as a matter of course. A support she gets due to her low income cost her the support she needs due to her low income.
GDP looks great though…
Edit – It also makes it impossible for her to register with a doctor because nobody’s taking new patients except by the 3 strikes medical card rule.
I have asthma and my symbicort inhaler costs €50-€60, and it only lasts 3-4 weeks depending on usage, it is expensive, and yes this is with the drug payment scheme
Asthma kills 50 people a year in Ireland.
The current government decided it made more sense to make HRT free rather than asthma medication or psychiatric medication.
It should fall under the long term illness scheme, like insulin
Another reminder to never vote FF or FG again. We are a rich country in paper but fuck over our people while doing so
The government have said they are going to broaden incentives to make homes reduce carbon. Another way to help reduce asthma in children is to subside the removal of gas stoves in lieu of induction. There is a well established link https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/nov/08/gas-cookers-pump-out-toxic-particles-linked-to-childhood-asthma-report-finds