The Labour Party has proposed a universal health insurance system and free GP care for everyone in its new health policy. They also want a big increase in staffing, and a rise in health spending. The Party said that this policy will form the basis for any negotiations it has to form the next government.
At present, 45% of the population pay private health insurance, 30% have the medical card. The Labour Party today presented a health policy which they say will end the distinction between public and private patients.
Everyone would have health insurance - those earning the top 40% of income would pay the full amount, a further 10% would get some assistance, while 50% of the population would have the insurance paid for by the State. Free GP cover would be paid for through insurance and taxation.
Labour's Health spokesperson Liz McManus TD said that this was an effective solution to the inequalities in health, and would promote efficiency. Party leader Ruairí Quinn said that the economy could afford to spend 8% of GDP on health, - about seven and a half billion pounds in current terms.
The health service needed 5,000 more nurses, 1,500 more GPs, and 800 consultants, along with an extra 4,800 acute hospital beds. Mr Quinn said that the policy would form the basis for any negotiations the Labour Party would have to form the next government.
