Sinn Féin unveils radical plan for universal healthcare

SINN FÉIN has outlined its radical plan for an additional €3.3billion investment in healthcare over the next five years which would lead to the creation of a world-class, universal healthcare system, free at the point of delivery and funded by progressive taxation.

An in-depth analysis of the 84-page Better4Health document was given to journalists by Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD, Health Spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD, Finance Spokesperson Pearse Doherty TD and the party's Head of Social Policy Miriam Murphy at the Royal Irish Academy on Dawson Street on Tuesday morning which was attended by An Phoblacht.

The party says it will increase health spending by €3.3billion over five years, beginning with a €794 million increase in the first year.

Some of the key proposals is the introduction of free GP care, increased access to Medical Cards, a greater role for community pharmacies, an incremental abolishment of prescription charges for medical card holders, abolition of Emergency Department and inpatient charges, moves towards universal dental care, an increase in ambulance services, the elimination of private healthcare activity in public hospitals and a tax on sugary drinks.

Describing the overcrowding crisis as "a disgrace", Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin told An Phoblacht:

"It is beyond toleration. There is no acceptable level of dependence on trolleys in our hospital wards and corridors. This Minister for Health needs to up his gear, this shameful situation needs to be comprehensively addressed."

He also hit out at successive Governments for standing over a situation which allows “those who can afford it to buy their way to the front of the queue time after time – while those dependent on the public system languish in pain and wait, and wait. This is not only shameful, it is an immoral system.”

He accused the private healthcare industry of “piggybacking” on the public one in search of profits.

Addressing the overcrowding crisis in hospitals, Sinn Féin proposes an immediate recruitment of 2,500 nurses over a five-year term and 10 extra staff to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland to ensure applications for registration are processed without delay.

The party proposes an increase of the number of hospital beds from 4 per 1000 population to 4.6. 

An increase in nursing home beds by 3,800 over five years as well as a 10% increase in Home Help Hours are also outlined. 

The party also wants to recruit 621 additional midwives and 239 further obstetricians and gynecologists.

Mental health is also high on priorities with a €35million increase to the mental health budget coupled with increased recruitment of mental health nurses, increased funding for Counselling in Primary Care and an increase in child and adolescent inpatient beds to end young people being placed in adult psychiatric wards.

The party also wants to prioritise supports for people with a disability and the elderly with largely increased funding as well as kick-starting recruitment for speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and psychologists as well as 20% increase for respite care services and a significant increase to disability service providers.

Explaining how this plan would be funded, Finance Spokesperson Pearse Doherty TD said:

"The Department of Finance tells us there is an additional €8.6billion available for spending or additional tax reliefs over the next five years. Our additional €3.3billion will come from that 'fiscal space'."

He explained that the €3.3billion is above the 2 – 3% increase already factored in for demographic pressures:

"Others will promise tax reductions for high earners, our priorities are healthcare, housing and childcare and all of this is very doable in the space that is available," he said.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin explained that the party had worked closely with healthcare workers, trade unions and others when researching the document:

"We have set out a pathway to universal healthcare. This is a carefully researched and costed plan and one I believe it will have the support of all who believe in equality and are truly republican," he said.

"We want a system of public healthcare access that will be there for all. And that is a mighty legacy for anyone in political life to leave."

• Watch Sinn Féin's radical plan for Universal Healthcare