Sir, – I refer to the letter from the Doctors For Universal Healthcare group (Letters, December 9th).
They are correct that Ireland spends more on health than many nations. What they fail to point out is that a great quantity of this spend is on healthcare professionals’ salaries, namely doctors and consultants.
With an ageing population, demand for healthcare will only increase and with increased demand, doctors can command higher salaries. The economic solution to a price hike driven by increased demand is increased supply. But the medical profession operates a quasi cartel by limiting the number of entrants to that profession. To meet current and future healthcare needs with limited budgets, we need more healthcare professionals.
The group also mentioned the lack of reform and pointed the finger at politicians.
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However, at €250 for an appointment with a consultant, it is not surprising that the removal of private practice from public hospitals has not progressed quickly, and the Doctors For Universal Healthcare need only look within their own profession to spot the obstacles to change. – Yours, etc,
DONAL MURPHY,
Custom House Square,
Dublin 1.