The Editor Sir

It is with interest that I observe the current debate on the readiness of the health-care system for the removal of user fees.

However, what I am not hearing is the glaring reality that there are obviously many people who are ill and cannot afford medical treatment. If people could afford treatment then, there would not be any rush.

For me, this is the more worrying concern for us as a nation.

I recognise and appreciate the dilemma that health workers are facing with lack of resources; but we have to face the reality as well that our people cannot afford health care in the same way they cannot afford many other essential services. We are reaping the results of many years of economic stagnation.

Government in a dilemma

It is clear that the Government is in a dilemma. It has to solve two enormous problems: increase revenue and provide adequate resources for a health-care system that has been allowed to deteriorate over many years. None of these can be solved overnight.

However, if we are to develop at all, they have to be done. An efficient health-care system is one of the essential components of a developed society. Of course, it should be obvious to all that a substantial increase in revenue is at the foundation of providing adequate resources; it is at the foundation of many of Jamaica's woes.

During the election campaign, the present government promised to do just that. I hope they can accomplish it, even incrementally, because Jamaica cannot remain viable for much longer in its current economic state. We are in urgent need of economic growth and development or else we will have to face the reality of accepting ourselves as a failed state.

I am, etc.,

NICOLE CAMERON

ncameron@utech.edu.jm

P.O. Box 28

Oracabessa, St Mary

Via Go-Jamaica