People Before Profit Cllrs Shaun Harkin and Eamonn McCann said,
“The pandemic has underscored the pivotal role of the NHS. Without it the challenge would be much greater and the toll on the less well off and vulnerable much greater. The Tories and others hypocritically join claps for NHS workers but they still plan on its destruction through privatisation for their rich friends. Now’s not the time to be complacent.
Care homes and domiciliary care should come under public control as part of the health service. Privatisation has failed and few believe health should be a site for profiteering. Public control creates accountability, raises standards and provides workers with basic terms and conditions lacking in the privatised model.
Having two divergent responses to the pandemic in Derry, Tyrone and Donegal makes no sense at all. We need one integrated approach through the creation of an all-Ireland National Health Service. Already in the North West health services are integrated across the border.
Large numbers of people in the South want an NHS modelled on the one that operates here. The vast majority of people in the North oppose privatising the health service.
North and South, people have the right to free health care at the point of use from the cradle to the grave funded through progressive taxation. Access to health care should be based on need – not wealth. We need a joined up campaign that unites workers from all backgrounds and people from all communities. We’re calling on the Derry and Strabane Council to back these campaigns.”
Motion to Derry and Strabane full Council meeting May 28 from People Before Profit Cllr Eamonn McCann:
“Council believes that care homes and the organisation and operation of domiciliary care services across the North should be brought back into the public service as part of the National Health Service.”
Motion to Derry and Strabane full Council meeting May 28 from People Before Profit Cllr Shaun Harkin:
“The COVID-19 crisis presents an unprecedented threat to public health. The
scale of the crisis clearly demonstrates the critical role of a fully funded and
protected public health service.
Council agrees that two divergent public health strategies to deal with a
pandemic on the island of Ireland, North and South, is irrational, impractical
and dangerous.
Council calls for a fully integrated all-Ireland public health strategy.
Council supports the campaign for an all-Ireland health service free at the point of delivery from the cradle to the grave.
Council agrees to invite representatives from the all-Ireland health service campaign to make a presentation to Council.”
