Limerick Cathaoirleach classes with dentists over 'medical tourism'
THE Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council, Cllr John Gallahue, has been accused of sending out a potentially dangerous message by encouraging his constituents to travel abroad for cheaper health care.
Cllr John Gallahue issued a press release this week promoting cheaper
dental and medical care abroad as an alternative to paying for similar work to be carried out in Ireland.
The Irish Hungarian Cultural and Business Association, of which Cllr Gallahue is secretary, was recently set up to promote links between the two countries, and one of the ways in which it hopes to market holidays in Hungary is through "medical tourism".
"Most medical procedures are between 50 and 70 per cent cheaper in Hungary. Availing of services ranging from dentistry to minor medical operations can result in considerable savings, even with airfares and hotels costs included," he said in a statement.
"The recently-formed association is planning a series of links between
Limerick and Hungry to include trade in food and wine and the development of tourism with a view to marketing inexpensive medical treatments combined with holidays," said the Cathaoirleach.
He added that a friend of his was recently quoted €17,000 for dental treatment in Ireland, but got the same work done in Hungary for €9,000.
A spokesman for the Irish Dental Association urged people to be
extrmely cautious, however, as Irish dentists frequently had to work with patients who experienced problems as a result of travelling abroad for dental care.
"If people are unhappy with the work they have had done overseas, it can
be extremely difficult and expensive to return to that country for further work or to have work corrected," said the spokesman.
He said the association would also advise that patients make an appointment with their own family dentist to discuss treatment options before making a final decision.
Patients should prioritise the quality of treatment they will receive, as in many cases price comparisons can be highly misleading, he added.
The Limerick Leader contacted the HSE in relation to the promotion of
health care abroad, but the body had made no comment at the time of going to press.
Cllr Gallahue was also unavailable for comment this Wednesday.
A special Hungarian evening with food and wine will be hosted by Cllr Gallahue in his pub on Main Street, Ballylanders on Friday January 23.
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Tuesday 22 May 2012
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