Sinn Féin spokesperson on Health David Cullinane TD has today launched Prescription for Change: Sinn Féin’s Plan to deliver healthcare when you need it. Teachta Cullinane said that this is the most extensive and comprehensive health plan ever produced by a political party. He added that the plan would transform healthcare and set Ireland on course for full universal healthcare by 2035.

The plan includes more than 350 policy commitments across more than 60 policy areas spanning the broad range of health issues. It includes 25 key priorities across 10 sections, 5 First 100 Days commitments, and means that Sinn Féin is ready to go from Day 1 to deliver healthcare reform. 

Teachta Cullinane said:

“A Prescription for Change: Sinn Féin’s Plan to deliver healthcare when you need it is the most significant and comprehensive plan to transform healthcare in Ireland that has ever been put together by any political party. This 120-page plan sets out in detail how Sinn Féin in Government will transform the Irish healthcare system so that everyone will have access to the best quality healthcare when they need it.

“When you have people who can’t access a GP, people waiting hours on trolleys, and young people in crisis that can’t get mental health supports – that’s not a situation I will stand over.

“That is why we are providing for a landmark public GP contract, a revolution in child and youth mental health, and an extensive health bed plan to deal with scandalous overcrowding and disgraceful waiting lists.

“Our plan will ensure that people can access a GP or a dentist when they need one; end the crisis in our emergency departments; cut waiting lists; deliver the biggest investment in the history of the state in mental health; bring Irish nurses and doctors home; and end wasteful spending.

“Sinn Féin is committed to affordable healthcare. That is why in just 5 years, we would deliver free prescription medicines for all households, and medical cards for those up to the median income. We would set this in law in our first 100 days. 

“Sinn Féin is committed to accessible healthcare. That is why we have a plan for 7,400 health beds, bolstering local GP, dental, and health services, expanding home care, and reforming waiting lists. 

“And Sinn Féin is committed to accountability in healthcare. That is why we have set out in detail how we will clamp down on wasteful spending, improve patient safety, and deliver real change.

“We know that rural communities face particular challenges in accessing local services, and that is why we would establish Rural Health Commission to develop a 10-year Rural Health Strategy. 

“Our plan was produced on the back of several years of consultationwith healthcare workers, patients and their families, health campaign groups and health experts. It sets out in detail how we must and can change the health service for the better. It demonstrates that the problems are not intractable and that they can be solved. 

“Our plan covers every aspect of healthcare, from universal healthcare to local services to hospitals, and includes cancer, cardiovascular health, rare disease, women’s health, and more.

“You can read the full document on our website at health.sinnfein.ie and I would encourage anyone with an interest in public healthcare to consider our proposals.

“Change in healthcare is possible, and it starts with a change of Government.”