Seventy-five years after Noel Browne’s attempts at healthcare reform, Ireland still awaits the provision of free universal healthcare for all its citizens
Dr Noel Browne, who attempted to introduce the Mother and Child scheme, which would provide free healthcare to mothers and children aged under 16
Seventy-five years ago, in April 1951, Ireland’s political landscape was in the middle of one of its most significant and controversial crises since the foundation of the State. Health Minister Dr Noel Browne attempted to introduce free healthcare without a means test for all expectant mothers and for children up to the age of 16.
At the time, Ireland had one of the highest rates of infant mortality in post-war Europe and many women had little or no access to medical care during pregnancy.