Communities in County Leitrim could be left without a general practitioner in the coming years due to retirements.
The aging profile of doctors across the country is now having an impact and the Irish Medical Organisation says rural practices will be worst hit.
It's emerged today 50 percent of GPs in Leitrim are due to retire in the next seven years.
In County Sligo, 25 percent of GPs will retire in the next 7 years while the figure is 24% in Donegal.
Dr Padraig McGarry, Chairperson of the Irish Medical Organisation GP Committee told Ocean FM News that due to cuts in recent years, many young doctors do not see the career as a safe and viable option:
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He says rural practices will be hit hardest by these retirements:
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