Appealing headlines but are the reforms just too ambitious?

THE Labour Party proposals for reform of the health system were released yesterday and reaffirm the party’s long-standing commitment to universal health insurance.

There are some similarities with Fine Gael’s proposals but also some significant differences. The reforms planned are ambitious and would require a second term in government to be fully implemented.

The headlines are appealing — an end to the two-tier system of hospital care, no more out-of-pocket fees for GP services or prescription drugs, improved access and greater efficiency. However, the proposals involve significant changes in reimbursement for many healthcare providers.