UCD follows DCU’s lead with health charge

UCD has followed in the footsteps of DCU by introducing a charge for the use of student health services this month.

Students there will be faced with a €10 charge to visit the nurse, €25 to see the doctor and a €40 fee for a psychiatric consultation.

Currently, the only charge facing DCU students is a fee of €10 to visit the doctor, with both the nurse and psychiatry consultation free of charge. Speaking on the introduction, head of the DCU Health Centre Caroline Temple believes it is only a matter of time before all third level institutions introduce health charges.

“There are huge demands on student health services. But the money generated by the fee goes back into the Student Health Service budget,” she said.

It is believed that the introduction of the psychiatry consultation charge has caused concern amongst health officials with some fearing it could discourage vulnerable students from availing of the facility.

In a letter to UCD students however, Vice President for Students Martin Butler and Students’ Union president Gary Redmond made assurances that “services operated by UCD Student Counselling will remain free of charge”.

The introduction of health centre charges in UCD comes in the wake of reports that the university is facing major financial difficulties.

Officials have stated that the fees must be introduced in order for the College to maintain its current level of medical care.

A UCDSU spokesperson said they would do their best to protect the most vulnerable of students. “Charges should never be a barrier to seeking medical help - we’ve communicated this to students and encouraged them to go to the Student Health Service if they need to, and worry about their charges later.”

DCUSU education and welfare officer John Murphy has condemned UCD’s introduction of a €40 fee for psychiatric consultation. Murphy stated that “having such a high fee in place could discourage many students from availing of the health service thus seriously affecting their performance in college.

“Also, given the recession, students have even less money, another reason why they would be put off from using the health service.”