Medics are calling on the Government to declare a national emergency in our hospitals.
The Irish Medical Organisation is accusing the Coalition of showing more concern over the emigration of boxing coach Billy Walsh than over a generation of emigrating doctors.
It says the situation in hospitals around the country has never been as bad, in terms of overcrowding and waiting lists.
Dr Ray Walley, President of the IMO, says the health service is at crisis point:
Highlighting figures that suggest the country has a shortfall of up to 1,380 GPs, the IMO is calling for an overhaul of recruitment policy with the aim of encouraging Irish doctors working abroad to return.
Dr Walley added that the move would require an overhaul of pay structures for new consultants, as well as a new contract for GPs.
