Call for cross border health scheme to be reinstated

There's been a call to reinstate the cross-border health care scheme at last week's monthly meeting of elected members.

Cllr Damien Brady (SF) informed the chamber that the fund was "suspended" in 2022 due to a "lack of funding".

"We all know there are waiting lists both sides of the border," said Cllr Brady, who pointed out that a patient's outcomes can be different "the earlier things can be got".

With the scheme, the Ballyconnell man pointed out that patients in the south can go to the north for procedures and "vice versa".

"If this scheme was up and running it would work for the benefit of patients' vital procedures."

He suggested that Cavan County Council write to the Minister for Health on the issue.

Meanwhile Cllr John Paul Feely (FF) pointed out that the Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare Scheme (NIPHS) is "reimbursed by the HSE".

The NIPHS is a scheme to get planned healthcare in a private healthcare service in Northern Ireland.

"There are many people who are on waiting lists and could avail of this scheme," he explained.

Meanwhile Cllr Stiofán Conaty said the cross-border health care scheme is "needed" and that "more awareness" is needed on it, adding that it is a "proven scheme of great worth".