IMO Budget Submission 2013

The IMO Budget 2013 Submission focuses on Addressing Health Inequalities through improvements to Child Health, A Health-in-All-Policies Approach and Access to Primary Care. The Submission also looks at improving Patient Care through Integrated Care.
 

There are numerous reasons for investing in the health of children from antenatal care through to adolescence. Many chronic illnesses and disabilities originate in early childhood and in adolescence, young people are exposed to new risks and lifestyle choices that impact on their health.
 

Investing in the health of our children is vital to the growth of our economy and society.  Early Childhood Development can make a key contribution to addressing the health inequalities that begin in childhood and persist into adulthood. A Health-in-All-Polices approach and equal access to primary care can also play a significant role in reducing inequalities in health.
 

Finally the Government is embarking on major reform of the Irish health system based on the Dutch model of managed competition between private and public insurance companies and private and public providers. The IMO supports a universal health care system in Ireland but is concerned that the new model will further fragment health care in Ireland with negative impacts on quality of care and outcomes. The IMO has identified a range of issues that need to be addressed if the government is to achieve its stated goal of an integrated system primary and hospital care.