Reciprocal Health Agreement must be restored
I AM sure that I speak for many that wish to see the Reciprocal Health Agreement (RHA) between Guernsey and the UK restored. Since its suspension we have had a number of unbelievable explanations why it was not possible to restore it. These ranged from our lack of a free ambulance service to the cost to the UK. It remains a source of shame rather than pride that Guernsey alone in the British Isles excludes itself from the RHA.
Your correspondent, Peter Hyde (18 January), points out that many visits to and from the UK are not covered fully by travel insurance policies. I shall not repeat what he wrote but would comment that insurance companies are not charities but exist to give profit to their shareholders.
Regarding the cost to Guernsey, it would be interesting were our Department of Health to publish the total amount invoiced to non-residents for medical services provided and the amount collected. I suspect that a substantial amount invoiced remains unpaid and therefore is a loss to the taxpayer.
The absence of the RHA and the high cost of travel insurance, or indeed the inability to obtain it because of age or medical history, means that no prudent person, unable to afford or obtain insurance, can leave their island.
It was one thing to be imprisoned for five years by German occupying forces, quite another to be imprisoned here by our own government.
Many would love to be able to visit friends and relatives in the UK or have them visit here, but cannot run the risk.
We seek to promote Guernsey as a good place to do business, as a tourist destination as a port for cruise liners or a haven for yachtsmen. Do those promoting the island have the frankness to say that such visitors are not covered by the RHA and may have to bear unforeseen medical costs? Social media, in the hands of an unhappy visitor, could destroy our good reputation.
The RHA between Guernsey and the UK must be restored now and at the same time RHAs negotiated with other European countries, notably France, Germany and Holland. Jersey should be included, I wonder how many persons travelling between the two islands for sporting events or on business realise that they are not covered by the RHA?
The prime duty of government is the welfare of its citizens. They should be free to move to the UK without worrying about costs should they fall ill or meet with an accident. This is not the time for further reports, consultations, sursis, or any delay.
To say that money is unavailable is not an excuse. Too much is hoarded in departmental silos or frittered on vanity projects. It is time to put the welfare of islanders and our visitors first.
NICK LE POIDEVIN,
Le Morpaye,
St Peter's,
GY7 9AN.
