The Editor, Sir:

Recently it was announced that there would be a merger of the two major health insurance companies in Jamaica - Blue Cross and Sagicor. I am really flabbergasted that this announcement did not generate the level of debate and attention that such a frightening situation should have evoked.

As a country, and based on our experience over the years, we need to as far as is possible dissociate ourselves from monopolistic relationships, especially where the services provided are essential to the people of this country. What is going to happen to the working class in Jamaica when there is only one major provider of health insurance? I believe that this is going to have a devastating effect on not only the working class, but also providers of medical services.

Regulatory body

Under monopolistic conditions, is there going to be a regulatory body that will act as a mediator and thereby aggressively remedying any injustices that might have been meted out to the consumers? To phrase it another way - will there be a body that the employers, employees or medical service providers can appeal to if there is the presumption of unfair treatment?

Frustrated customers

In the current scenario, many individuals and providers of medical services are frustrated with the length of time taken to settle claims. Additionally, there are many instances when claims are rejected after long delays with no plausible reasons for doing so. Shouldn't we use the present to guide us on what will happen to us after the merger?

It is for these reasons that I am calling on the Jamaica Employers' Federation, the trade unions, the Medical Association of Jamaica, and all other stakeholders to band together to prevent /block this merger. I am also calling on the Fair Trading Commission to carefully evaluate the proposal and ensure that the people of Jamaica are not disadvantaged by this move.

As stakeholders, we are in a very privileged position and our moves must be united and predicated on ensuring that the 'common good' is always the focal point.

I am, etc.,

PAT BIGNALL

wilbig@cwjamaica.com