Patients who are currently in arrears with inpatient charges in hospital should see their debt underwritten as part of the abolition of such charges.

That's the view of Independent TD, Denis Naughten.

Yesterday, cabinet published the Health (amendment) bill 2023, which will see the abolition of public in-patient charges in all public hospitals.

Currently, anyone without a medical card is subject to an €80 fee per night up to a total of €800 per year.

The Roscommon/Galway Deputy says that this is vital for those who may be suffering with long term illnesses who may be out of work as a result and have no choice but to be in a hospital bed.

Deputy Naughten has been speaking to Midwest Radio's Alannah Nolan...