Dear Editor

I can't figure out what all the hurrah is about regarding the National Health Insurance scheme/plan. I like the idea, especially at this time. The concerted reaction of The Coalition for Health Reform makes me feel somewhat embarrassed. They appear to be mounting a 'fear' campaign, inciting the general public to doubt all sorts of things about the scheme/plan, including its financial viability, access to physical plants and equipment, numbers and quality of medical and support personnel, and aspects only God Himself could sensibly answer.

Naysayers also heavily hint that the present government will finance the scheme via increased taxation. My Pocket Oxford Dictionary defines a 'tax' as a contribution to State revenue legally levied on persons or property or businesses'. One can understand the reluctance of the business sector; they might not mind making money from poorer people, but helping the same people maintain and regain their health is another matter.

I am somewhat embarrassed by the reaction of these persons and groups because I see it as an insult. How dare they think that at this stage in our national life we are ill-equipped to plan to reach the stars medically and socially! How dare they think we cannot get together and come up with something decent that is mind-blowing! Then, to add insult to injury, how dare they infer that medical support personnel -- even if we get them in sufficient numbers -- might not be efficient.

Inefficiency knows no boundaries - it can parade itself in the private hospitals, clinics and laboratories as well as public facilities. As one writer has said: "Don't let the urge for perfection become a paralysis." Let us dare to dream big, and find people who can assist in making big dreams a reality.

Yours etc.,

Telcine Turner Rolle