Majority back universal healthcare, survey finds

Pfizer Health Index shows backing for scheme – even if it means rise in taxes

THE MAJORITY of Irish people are in favour of universal healthcare, even if it means paying more tax, a new survey has found.

The Pfizer Health Index, which tracks the health and wellbeing of the Irish population, found that 53 per cent were in favour of universal healthcare, even if it meant a 1 per cent hike in income tax.

Launched yesterday at the Science Gallery in Trinity College Dublin, the results of the nationally representative study, in which almost 1,000 adults were surveyed this summer, found that just 15 per cent of people were opposed to paying more tax for such a system.

Now in its sixth year, the Health Index also found that Irish people are less ambitious for their health than during the boom. Figures from 2005 show that 35 per cent of people said they intended to be more active and exercise more. This figure dropped to 25 per cent in 2011.

In addition, the number of people who said they had no intention of adopting a healthier lifestyle now stands at 34 per cent, almost two and a half times more than in 2005.

More people are also smoking, drinking – particularly at home – and are feeling unwell or visiting a doctor than before.

Three per cent more had smoked in the previous week, while 7 per cent more had drunk alcohol at home when compared with the 2010 results.

The survey also shows a significant decline in people’s personal circumstances in just two years, with 21 per cent more now finding it harder to make ends meet than in 2009.

With more than a quarter now ranking money as their main concern, the number of those with private health insurance has fallen by 120,000 in the past year. while medical card cover has risen by 5 per cent to almost 200,000.

Turning to women’s health, the research finds that 36 per cent of working women are now the sole earners for their household.

When asked if they consider themselves to be healthy, 34 per cent of working women believe that they are, compared with just 25 per cent of non-working women.

Some 71 per cent agree that many women delay having children because of their careers, although 72 per cent believe that women “should put their families and children before their careers”.

Speaking at the survey launch, former senator and women’s health advocate, Dr Mary Henry, said: “I am pleased to see the number of women having smear tests is up by 5 per cent this year.

“However, when it comes to screening for sexually transmitted infections, it seems that an alarming 92 per cent say they have never had STI screening.”