Health is fast becoming a major issue in Ireland along with the economy and the banking crisis. However many are positive that a proper health care system can be created in the country which is both fair and efficient.<\/p>\n
Unlike in Britain with a free national health service, Irish people, like most people around the world have to pay a health insurance<\/a> premium. But this is being attacked now since people are being forced to pay increasingly heavy premiums; some have opted out completely because they cannot afford it.<\/p>\n Health care was hotly debated during the recent Irish elections with Fine Gael proposing a scheme roughly between the present one and that used in Holland.<\/p>\n The Netherlands scheme requires everyone to have health insurance with a premium paid everyone or subsidised for those on low pay. Access to primary care facilities including hospitals, doctors, prescriptions and mental health<\/a> services is free. Long term care however is funded differently.<\/p>\n A group of professionals believes that Ireland needs to progress towards a more equitable system that puts the patient at the heart of the scheme. Institutional needs should be secondary.<\/p>\n