Durkan welcomes new cross-border healthcare scheme

THE SDLP’s Mark H Durkan has today welcomed the announcement by Health Minister Robin Swann of a new scheme that will fund health treatment in the South for people on waiting lists in the North

Through the scheme, patients will be able to seek, and pay for, private treatment in the South and be reimbursed by the HSCB.

The scheme, which will be called the temporary Health Services Republic of Ireland Reimbursement scheme, will operate from 30 June 2021.

Commenting on the announcement from Minister Swann, the Foyle MLA said: “I welcome this announcement, which will assist patients living in chronic agony on our waiting lists, which are among the longest in Europe.”

“Our healthcare service is collapsing in some areas.

“While this is a welcome step, it is important that the Finance Minister makes available the full amount of funding required to end this waiting list crisis.”

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