Sir, – Dr Gerard Bury wants a constitutional right to healthcare (July 3rd). At first glance disagreeing with this noble aspiration might seem churlish, or like objecting to motherhood and apple pie, but in practical terms constitutional protection of healthcare is an unworkable proposal.
For example, a constitutional right to healthcare would focus on equality of access to healthcare regardless of geographical location. The people living on the Beara peninsula, the Aran Islands or Malin might press for their constitutional right to hospital services. They would bring their demands to the Supreme Court, which would determine that a major hospital with all medical specialties was required in these areas, regardless of expense or practicality. The Department of Health and the HSE would be sidelined by the Supreme Court, which would become the body in charge of healthcare, deciding where and how healthcare should be delivered.
The solution to the problem of healthcare access is not through the Constitution or the Supreme Court. The solution lies in the publication and implementation by the Department of Health of a sensible, national health plan, prepared by panels of local and international experts, together with firm prevention of interference in healthcare issues by politicians and sectional local pressure groups. – Yours, etc,
LESLIE LAWLESS,
Dublin 4.