John Junor (second left), Minister of Health, jokes with Bertrand Bainvel (right), representative of the United Nations Children's Fund; Harold Robinson (second right), United Nation Population Fund representative, and Howard Hamilton, Public Defender, at the official launch of the State of World Population Report at the Hilton New Kingston Hotel, on Wednesday. - NORMAN GRINDLEY/DEPUTY CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
HEALTH MINISTER John Junor says his ministry intends to lobby for a provision in future legislation to ensure that concerns over payment for public hospital services, as a result of motor vehicle accidents, are properly addressed.
Minister Junor, speaking during a debate in the new motor vehicle (third party) legislation in the House of Representatives, said this was necessary as the costs to the sector were escalating every day.
"We feel very strongly that motorists have to be able to understand that there should be a recoverable amount from the insurance which they have, payable to those hospitals," he said.
The amended legislation, introduced in the Senate last month as a Private Member's motion from Opposition Senator Arthur Williams, aims to correct an injustice to insured parties by making it possible for an injured third party to collect from an insurance company the full amount of the actual coverage of the insurance policy, or the full amount of the damages awarded by the courts.
Dr. Peter Phillips, Minister of National Security, who piloted the bill in the House, commended Senator Williams for having the matter placed before Parliament, as well as Attorney-General, Senator A.J. Nicholson for his cooperation in allowing passage in the manner in which the bill was brought.
