“The guiding principle that has always informed my work is that healthcare is a human right – not a commodity”
Social Democrats Health Spokesperson Róisín Shortall has received the inaugural Edward Kennedy Health Policy Award from the Centre for Health Policy and Management at Trinity College Dublin.
The Edward Kennedy Health Policy Award recognises the importance of key
individuals, organisations or initiatives that have made meaningful contributions to
Ireland’s health system and policy reform – driving positive and sustained changes in healthcare delivery and outcomes.
Deputy Shortall said:
“I am very pleased to accept this award, not only on my own behalf, but on behalf of the many people who contributed to the development of the Sláintecare reform programme, as well as those who are currently working on its implementation.
“The guiding principle that has always informed my work is that healthcare is a human right – not a commodity. Healthcare should be equally accessible and free at the point of access, not available in a hierarchy depending on the depth of one’s pockets.
“Ireland’s two-tier healthcare system is not the norm. It is an outlier in Europe. As it stands, men, women and children who don’t have the means to pay for care are left languishing on waiting lists for years. This has many hugely negative impacts – including children not reaching their full potential; patients’ illnesses deteriorating unnecessarily; as well as premature deaths.
“As a society we can, and we must, do better. The implementation of the Sláintecare plan initially proceeded at a glacial pace – but it has now finally started to speed up. It is the job of politicians, particularly those in Government, to ensure that the full ambition of the reform programme is achieved – and our citizens can enjoy the high-quality universal healthcare services they deserve.
“I would like to thank Prof Colin Doherty and the Centre for Health Policy and Management at Trinity College Dublin for this award, which I am both delighted and honoured to receive.”
September 7, 2023