More than 50,000 people have cancelled private health insurance policies in the first nine months of this year, putting increasing pressure on a creaking public hospital system.

HOSPITAL consultants aligned to the VHI would have to work free for a year and treat approximately 700,000 patients, if the insurer was to absorb the additional costs it faces under proposals contained in the budget, VHI said yesterday.

Health Minster Mary Harney will come under further pressure this week to publish a damning audit report into the finances of health insurer Vhi.

HEALTH Minister Mary Harney is under renewed pressure to block VHI price hikes until a confidential audit — which it is believed identified massive inefficiencies at the state-run health insurer — is published.

Health Minster Mary Harney was tonight under renewed pressure to block price hikes by health insurer Vhi until a confidential audit on running costs is published.