John McCallister MLA, independent Unionist for South Down has welcomed the announcement by the Health Minister, Jim Wells MLA, on a consultation to re-introduce of prescription charges to establish a Specialist Medicines Fund in Northern Ireland, but has warned that it cannot deflect attention away from the need to make the Health Service more efficient and effective in Northern Ireland.
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South Down Independent Unionist John McCallister cautiously welcomes a prescription charge to help pay for specialist medicines but the health service must run efficiently.[/caption]
Mr McCallister said: “I think this is an issue where the public is ahead of the politicians. Most people would be prepared to pay a small fee for their prescriptions in the knowledge that that money is going to pay for specialist drugs that will save the lives of cancer sufferers and others with serious conditions.
“I would favour a small universal charge which would keep administrative costs to a minimum and ensure the maximum amount of money goes to paying for drugs which will save or prolong people’s lives.
“There is a danger, however, that this announcement will deflect attention away from the need for significant reform in our local health services. People will not be happy to fund specialist drugs in the knowledge that the Health Service is being run inefficiently.
“We are still failing to fully implement Transforming Your Care and the Minister’s reaction to the Donaldson report has so far been non-existent.
“With an aging population and ever increasing demands on the Health Service, if we do not implement Transforming Your Care and make meaningful reforms I fear for future services and public safety.
“The pressures on Health Service staff and the levels of cynicism about stalled reforms may result in senior management and doctors leaving Northern Ireland and the Southern and South Eastern Trusts – creating a very negative downward spiral for service delivery.
“So this consultation is welcome, but we must maintain focus on the challenge of making the system as effective and efficient as possible,” added Mr McCallister.
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