Sir, – As Jack Horgan-Jones reports, Sinn Féin has proposed an annual increase of €4.3 billion to the health budget, potentially escalating the expenditure to around €30 billion per year (“News,” October 28th). Although some may perceive this as a political tactic, it reflects Sinn Féin’s lack of attention if it is a serious suggestion. The issue plaguing our public health system isn’t a deficiency of funds but the poor management, or rather the absence of competent administration, of the ample funding already bestowed upon by the taxpayers. David Cullinane, Sinn Féin’s health spokesman, even concedes to the rise in health investment – a fact that cannot be disputed considering the swell from €13.7 billion in 2014 to a projected €25.8 billion in 2025, marking a 88 per cent augmentation over 11 years. I am unsure if he genuinely believes that bolstering the budget by another €4.3 billion will rectify the grave issues in our public health service. – Sincerely,
PAT O’BRIEN,
Dublin 6.
Regarding the election pledge made by Sinn Féin to eliminate the cost of prescription medications if they assume power, a potential detrimental outcome cannot be overlooked. When patients are required to pay a minimal cost for each medication, it prompts them to account for what they truly need. Not in a medical context, but items like inhalers that are not used daily and already stocked at home might not be necessary.
Without this expense, the lure to obtain the entire list of prescriptions may be compelling, especially in a time where many drugs are scarce, and pharmacists scramble to maintain sufficient stock from their suppliers. – Yours,
DAAVE SLATER,
Kilkea,
Co Kildare.