Madam, - I am a senior South African medical doctor privileged to work at Midoc Centre, Birr, Co Offaly - a joint initiative by the Midland Health Board and local general practitioners.
I would like to thank the Irish Government, their medical fraternity, and the CEO and directors of Midlands and Midoc, especially Dr Velma Harkins, for the opportunity to try to add value to an already well-established system.
The primary health care provided to the population is of an exceptionally high quality and standard, performed with love, care and empathy by dedicated practitioners. This team effort is supplemented by a good triage centre, excellent nurses and efficient drivers. Together they are achieving astonishing quick responses to emergency calls - well recognised and appreciated by patients, one hopes.
A few observations on the medical system. The free availability of massive quantities of the most expanded medicine formulary list in state health that I have ever experienced must cost the Government a fortune and may lead to widespread misuse by patients. The long waiting list for specialist consultants and operations must be worrisome, but I believe it is currently being evaluated by the Department of Health. By reducing the cost of non-life-threatening medicine, more money could be made available for this.
The excessive threat of lawsuits against doctors surely must inhibit their service, talents and skills and may have a negative impact on the quality and efficiency of treatment. Although doctors may be qualified and able to handle cases, they prefer referring the patient onward through fear of being sued - this leads to further demands on an already overcrowded specialist service. This obsession with litigation does have a negative impact on the relationship between patients and their doctors, supposedly based on mutual respect, trust, honesty and understanding.
I was privileged to be welcomed in the surgeries, homes and hearts of the Irish community. If ever I would leave my own beloved country, it would only be to your beautiful land, not only because of its unsurpassed nature, rich heritage and culture, but more so for the goodness, kindness and integrity of the Irish people.
You are all special. - Yours, etc.,
Dr WESSEL VERMEULEN,
Meadowville,
Burkes Hill,
Birr,
Co Offaly.