Dear Editor,

It seems that the introduction of free health care by the current administration was just a “wordy” gift to the Jamaican population for voting them into power.

My own view is not one of optimism, because I observe that “free services” equal “poor services” and ironically they come at a cost, which has been burdening the shoulders of the Jamaican society.

Recently, I heard the government propose a new approach, which is to have persons with health insurance policies use their plans to cover the cost of treatments at public hospitals and clinics. The prime minister claimed this would help his administration to recover some of the revenue that was lost from the abolition of user fees at the public health facilities.

My discomfort with this situation, however, is the possibility of insurance policyholders paying more in the future as policy use may increase.

Likewise, there will be no “free” medical services for persons who have insurance policies. This is unfair, because the current administration proposed a free-for-all health care service. The law that was passed said so. Therefore, the insurance holders should not be responsible for this predicament.

The actions taken by the prime minister were not coincidence, neither were they carefully analysed to identify the long-term effects, nor were the appropriate measures taken to alleviate this problem.

When we take a look at the international scene or even the regional scene, we note that the countries with adequate resources do not offer these services for free. What are we doing, posing for paparazzi? We are the sprint factory, not the health factory.

As citizens of this country, we should be cognisant of the fact that Jamaica is still in its developmental stages; we cannot afford to shoulder the cost of free health care at this time.

Moreover, prescriptions are not easy to obtain because pharmacies at public hospitals are not stocking drugs that are being prescribed by those same doctors at public hospitals. The real issue is that the budget is unsustainable, and there is just not enough money to buy drugs.

I had the displeasure of visiting one hospital and if it should be graded, it would have received an “F”. I spent half the day waiting to be registered. When that happened I had to spend the other half waiting to see a doctor. I never did! Reflecting on that day conjures negativity that pains me deep within.

I urge the government to do the right thing. They should reverse that decision and instead make health care affordable for the average Jamaican. At the same time, I do not believe those who cannot afford health care should be deprived of it. The most vulnerable such as those on the PATH programme, children up to age 18, and senior citizens should be catered to.

I am patiently waiting to see what will save our country from this “teething pain”. What about you?

Andrene Barrett

sweetandblack13@yahoo.com