Sickness is inevitable

Re Ray Kinsella’s universal health insurance report, I have the following observations, as a retired orthopaedic surgeon:

* ‘Health insurance’ is an oxymoron, as insurance is for unexpected events, not predictable ones. We will all need the health system, unless killed by a falling piano. Buying health insurance is like buying fire insurance, and then telling the company you plan to burn your house down. ‘Health insurance’ is pre-paying, with the company holding your funds.

* Business World MBA models do not predict ‘consumer’ health choices. It’s not buying a car. How would you repossess a fractured femur?

* Basic healthcare is a right, like clean water, and best provided by governments through taxation, without profit for middle-men insurance companies.

Denis Maguire MD

St John’s Hill

Kinsale

Co Cork