The IMO has claimed the Government is intent on a universal health insurance (UHI) model which will lead to turning healthcare into 'a commodity and not a service'

The doctors' union said under the planned UHI scheme, insurance companies, who will will have a key role in the system, will be making decisions based solely on profit, not on patient care.

"It is only the wealthier that will benefit in a system where there is a standard basket of healthcare, with added benefits being available for purchase by those who can afford it. This is nothing more than a continuation of a two- tier healthcare system which will disadvantage the poorest and the sickest."

The IMO added that the Minister for Health continued to promise 'free GP care' to the total population by 2016 yet he has presided over €160 million in cuts in resources to general practice over the last four years, while at the same time the number of public patients being cared for in general practice increased by 400,000.

Dr Ray Walley, Chairman of the IMO GP Committee, said: "the repeated promises by Government on free services is meaningless when there are no plans, no resources and no negotiations."