Up to 300 people took part in a demonstration in Dublin calling for more investment and capacity in the health service.
The Still Waiting Health Campaign is demanding an injection of at least €1 billion in additional funds for the sector and for an increase in capacity in community and primary healthcare settings.
The group is also calling for the establishment of a National Health Service through the implementation of Sláintecare, the Government's plan to overhaul the Irish healthcare system, which the Still Waiting campaign describes as "creaking and dysfunctional".
This was the first national protest by the group, which is made up of a coalition of local campaigns from across the country.
The campaigners say they want to see an end to a "two-tier health system, whereby health treatment varies according to your location and the size of your income".
Those taking part in the protest marched from the Garden of Remembrance in Parnell Square in Dublin city centre to the Customs House, where a rally was held.
Reporting by Fergal O'Brien
