Cork South Central Fine Gael TD, Jerry Buttimer, has called on the VHI to reconsider its decision not to approve the new private hospital at City Gate, Mahon, Cork.
“There is a need for choice and competition in the provision of private health care services in Cork. When the existing private hospital in Cork has plans to expand it would suggest that there is a need for more private beds. Independent research, carried out by PWC, also shows that there are fewer private hospital beds in Cork, compared to Dublin or Galway
“Healthcare infrastructure has changed dramatically over the last few years; there has been a countrywide increase in the number of private hospitals and medical clinics. We have had the construction of seven new private hospitals; the VHI has approved six of these hospitals in Dublin, Galway and Limerick. The only private hospital which has been refused cover by the VHI is the new hospital in Cork.
“Cork has been left behind in the development of private health infrastructure. The new private hospital provides an opportunity to enhance local infrastructure, giving people in Cork the same choice and competition that is available across the country.
“We need a clear explanation from the VHI as to why it is saying no to this progressive development in Cork. As the largest healthcare insurer in the market the VHI has an obligation to treat people across the country equally. At the moment it seems that this is not happening.
“If the VHI was to approve the private hospital it would break an existing monopoly, enhance the range of healthcare services available and, crucially, create about 75 jobs.
“It is not the role of the VHI to protect the interests of any one service provider. Its role is to ensure that its members have access to a wide range of high quality health services. The VHI must reconsider its decision which is detrimental to a range of healthcare services available in Cork.”