Kieran McCarthy MLA said: “This is a ludicrous idea. It would cause a lot of confusion and annoyance for the public. I cannot see any advantage in this and I would strongly oppose any such move.
“It appears to have been suggested that if a person has not seen their doctor within 18 months then they could be struck off their register and have to must re-apply.
“I believe that people having a GP must be a fundamental right, and to change this situation would damage one of the pillars of our society, the NHS.
“A move like this could leave some patients without a doctor and I am shocked at this idea. It must never be allowed to happen.”
ENDS