Consumer association stance surprises VHI

THE VHI yesterday expressed surprise at the criticism by the Consumer Association of Ireland (CAI) for its actions in its pricing row with 18 private hospitals.

The VHI's medical director, Dr Bernadette Carr, said the VHI had "a single wish to keep costs down, while those on the other side have a profit focus".

The CAI chief executive, Ms Caroline Gill, had criticised the VHI for reneging on its commitment to provide people with "peace of mind" during illness.

The chief executive of the Independent Hospitals Association of Ireland, Mr Michael Heavey, said 15 of the 18 hospitals involved in the dispute were legally recognised "not for-profit" organisations.

Next month, 18 of the State's private hospitals are to be put on partial participation status for VHI cover. Patients in these hospitals will have to pay for any extra charges the hospitals impose above the 1995 rates.