Think tank claim more should be spent on healthcare

An economic think tank has claimed there is no compelling evidence to show Ireland spends too much on healthcare and contends that more needs to be spent, albeit more effectively.

The Nevin Economic Research Institute (Neri) pointed out that it is the ratio of outcomes to spend that matters and not the size of the spend itself.

“What matters is how healthy people are and how long they live,” said Neri director Tom Healy. “However, resources clearly do matter and availability of highly qualified and experienced staff as well as timely access to screening, diagnosis and intervention does matter and does save lives and improve health outcomes.”