Seven ways to build a healthier future for us all
Here are a few proposals which could make a difference.
(1) Trade unions have millions of euro of members’ money set aside in the event of strike. Since social partnership, this fund is now largely dormant. Some of it could be invested, with State guarantee, in hospitals. An insurance bond could allow the unions to withdraw money if needed. This would give the members better hospital services as well as a secure place for their money.
(2) Much has been achieved through tax incentives. Cork harbour has many factories producing medical products - we could extend these tax incentives to build a world-class health service for the people of Ireland - and the rest of Europe. Instead of our medical graduates emigrating for jobs, Ireland could become a centre of medical excellence less than a two-hour flight from hundreds of millions of Europeans. The continent has an ageing population that will need such medical services.
(3) The Irish Hospitals Sweepstake was most successful at funding hospitals and the horse racing industry. The National Lottery could re-establish it using modern technology. Millions could be earned for hospitals through a new sweepstake.
(4) Many people, as they grow older, would be willing to put money into Government bonds to be used specifically for development of hospital and nursing care. These bonds could raise millions. They could be cashed by the purchaser as he or she used medical, hospital or nursing services.
(5) Allow local credit unions fund the development of community or parish nursing homes and harness local voluntary and community care of the sick and elderly instead of allowing private nursing homes to rob them.
(6) VHI, absurdly, cannot own hospitals or nursing homes. BUPA, their UK-based equivalent, not alone provides hospital insurance but owns and manages such institutions. VHI must be allowed to do likewise.
(7) A special prize bond issue, known as a Hospital Development Prize Bond, would receive great public support. If properly promoted over a period of time, these bonds would also provide millions of euro.
Brendan P O’Donoghue
Bellevue
Cross Douglas Road
Cork
