asked the Minister for Health if the survival of the VHI is being jeopardised by high payments in ultra-expensive private centres; and his views on the VHI's developing a two-tier system of health care, one for luxury health and the second for ordinary health care.
Written Answers - VHI Cover.
57.
VHI insurance schemes, Plans D and E, are specifically designed for those VHI members who wish to avail of services at the Mater Private Hospital or the Blackrock Clinic. These two plans are required by me to be self-financing in as far as this is practicable. VHI therefore only provide cover for treatment in these hospitals to the extent that is warranted by the flow of subscriptions from members of Plans D and E. Consequently, there is no question of these hospitals jeopardising the survival of VHI.
I could not accept that the VHI are developing a two-tier health care system. On the contrary this country has developed a first-rate public hospital infrastructure based on a balanced mix of public and private medicine. The health care provided in the public hospitals is second to none and the VHI have played a significant role in this achievement.