The free GP care scheme for the under sixes has been branded a 'political stroke'.

The National Association of General Practitioners is urging doctors not to sign up for the scheme.

The NAGP's National Council made the announcement after an emergency meeting to discuss the contract deal agreed between the Irish Medical Organisation and the HSE.

The NAGP says the under-sixes scheme does not serve the best interests of general practice or patients.

It a press statement, it described the initiative as "a smoke and mirrors political trick."

"There is, without doubt, a desperate need for investment in general practice but investment needs to be allocated to the areas where it is needed – rural practice, general practice in deprived urban areas, comprehensive chronic disease management, existing services which are grossly underfunded.

"This deal amounts to nothing more than medial apartheid. It is motivated by election votes rather than real patient need."

However, it will remain up to individual GPs to decide whether or not to sign contracts for the HSE scheme. 

Chairman of the NAGP Dr Andrew Jordan explains why they have rejected it:

He also explained there is no money for free GP care for many of the patients that really need it:

Originally posted at 14.30