No to free health care - MAJ

Complete removal of user fees in hospitals is not prudent at this time, according to Dr. Alverston Bailey, president of the Medical Association of Jamaica.

The Jamaica Labour Party- has promised that it would abolish user fees in hospitals if it were to form the next Government. But Dr. Bailey says those who can afford to pay should continue doing so.

"It sends the wrong message to the population that, even though they can contribute to their own health care need, they can get it free," Dr. Bailey told The Gleaner. He suggested free health care should be limited to the elderly, children, mentally challenged and the destitute, noting that a system could be worked out to determine those who cannot afford to pay.