In-patient charges in all public hospitals will be abolished from today.
The new measures, removes the acute public in-patient charge of 80 euro per day, up to a maximum of 800 euro in a year.
The charge most affected low- to medium-income families, as it was waived for medical-card holders and some other groups, while families with private health insurance could recoup much of the cost from their insurer. The abolition of the charge covers both overnight stays and day-case procedures.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly says the ending of the charges is another significant step in ensuring people have free access to affordable healthcare services.
The Government say that the abolition of the charges will help ease the financial burden on parents when their child needs inpatient care. It will also help ensure the cost is not a consideration when parents make decisions about accessing treatment, said Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly earlier this year.
