Sir, – Several recent contributions to the debate on Sláintecare have highlighted the importance, for some sections of the medical profession, of the continued existence of private medical provision. For example, this is seen as necessary to motivate younger consultants to remain in Ireland.
Even a proportionate reduction in the existence of private versus public provision is seen by some as a threat to this objective.
This is a perfectly legitimate aspiration if the profession sees the provision of medical care, at least in part, as a business opportunity. But it should play no part in the creation of a needs-based national healthcare strategy.
If a differentiated financial contribution to the cost of provision is required, this should be done through the tax system. But the continued scandal of separate queues for care, based on ability to pay, must cease.
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The voices of all interest groups need to be heard in the Sláintecare debate, but no vested interest should be able to thwart or to lead – or to exercise some kind of veto over – what is an agreed national goal. Those tasked with leading the Slaintecare debate must acknowledge that they are mandated with leading its implementation. And they must explain to the public any examples of thwarting or vetoing that they see emerging. – Yours, etc,
JOHN CASEY,
Bray,
Co Wicklow.