We thought, or believed, that when (or if) we succeeded in our pleas for a medical card, all our health problems would be solved, at least in so far as the health "service" can assist God in such matters. For about 10 years we argued our case. Then, as I was approaching 80, and my wife not far behind, our case seemed to make sense to the Eastern Health Board, and we received the card (actually two cards but with one number).
There were certain restrictions, the main one being that we had to share the same doctor - or at least, the same joint practice. Our consciences on the main issue were quiet: between the pension from a former employer, and the other from the State, we just could not go on.
Anyway, we had been paying income tax (inescapably, via PAYE) since returning from Africa in the late 1940s, and surely were entitled to be cared for properly in our old age? Contrat social; egalite, fraternite, et aussi, peutetre, un peu de liberte!
Shoulder injury
So, away we go. Apart from a tendency to bronchitis, thanks to smoking until I was about 50, my health has been very good, buiochas le Dia. The partner has not been so fortunate: blood pressure, depression; and recently a fall in the house. Her shoulder didn't heal so, eventually, medical card in hand, we presented ourselves to the doctor - who revealed all, as far as our alleged health "service" was concerned: physiotherapy, at first, but at a price, and later a visit to a specialist, at a shockingly high price.
Oh, yes, in theory, once you have that precious card all health costs are met by the State. You may die while waiting in the queue (many do); but if you can stick it out, everything comes to him or her who waits.
My wife was in pain, constant pain. In theory, she might have presented herself at casualty in the local hospital, and she would have been looked after (possibly after hours on a stretcher in some corridor).
The "physio" was our first hope, Oh yes, in theory, this is available free of charge to those with medical cards. The reality is that one's name goes down on the long list of Community Care, God bless them, and the rest is hope and unlimited patience, at least in the Dun Laoghaire area. Too long a list; too few staff.
Right, she was in pain. So we did a modest raid on the holiday fund. Quickly enough, alas, it became evident that something other than "physio" was required, so the specialist was contacted and gracefully agreed to see her without undue delay, as she was "in pain". During his examination it transpired that never had he had patients with medical cards.
Holiday fund
I was present for the interview, the examination, and the decision to inject the troublesome shoulder. Once again, the holiday fund was raided, and we said goodbye to £80.
We were given a receipt for that contribution to the "free" health service, "to be set off against tax". But my tax days ended when the Government stopped taxing my work pension. My German friends were scandalised on hearing that my pension had been taxed, but sure that is part of the Irish obstacle course.
I believe that nice man from Cork, apparently, is trying to make a health service of the shambles he inherited, but within the confines of the sternest text books of the capitalist system. Why is it not possible for his Department to refund us the money from our depleted holiday fund spent on "free health", on presentation of receipts?
I know he has difficulty in recruiting workers to make the system begin to look respectable, but why not allow refugees here to work, and encourage the immigration of as many more as will get things going properly for the aged and the disabled? After all those happy words before the Budget from Mr Andrews and Ms Harney, surely it is time to get a bit of action going on behind the facade?
Accommodation
Another problem hindering Mr Martin in his pioneering work in the Department of Excuses is accommodation for incoming workers, now in crisis. Why not persuade a Government colleague to pass on the accommodation problem to the Credit Union and Co-operative movements, plus enabling legislation, tax reliefs and subsidies?
As for me and family health problems, it looks as if I have to go back to some kind of work. I have been a working journalist since the mid-forties of the last century, and am a life member of the NUJ.
Anything going for me, there? I could do translation work and have good Irish, English and Spanish, and fair enough French. I have some knowledge of Irish history, literature and folklore, and have lectured on all three. I am willing to work until a real health service is founded in this State, to care adequately for the disabled and aged. Any offers?