Trade Union Council backs call for public review of private healthcare provision

Body comes out in support of the Isle of Man Medical Society 

The Isle of Man Trade Union Council says it 'stands in full agreement with the Isle of Man Medical Society’s position calling for a public review of private healthcare provision on the Island'.

It follows the submitting of a planning application to transform former offices near Victoria Road in Douglas into a 15-bed hospital.

Manx Radio spoke to Isle of Man Medical Society Chair, Consultant Paediatrician and Neonatologist Dr Prakash Thiagarajan and Consultant Radiologist Dr Vanina Finocchi on the topic this week.

You can hear more from them here.

In response to the news, the TUC says it shares 'growing concern' with the IOMMS that 'the expansion of private healthcare appears to be encouraged — directly or indirectly — by Manx Care'.

It argues that a situation is being created in which residents 'may feel pushed towards private treatment due to long waiting times and under-resourced public services'.

It's supporting the Medical Society's call for 'transparency, accountability, and a full public review'.

The Isle of Man Trade Union Council statement in full: "The Isle of Man Trade Union Council stands in full agreement with the Isle of Man Medical Society’s position calling for a public review of private healthcare provision on the Island.

"We share growing concern that the expansion of private healthcare appears to be encouraged — directly or indirectly — by Manx Care, creating a situation where residents may feel pushed towards private treatment due to long waiting times and under-resourced public services.

"Any move towards private provision must be ethically governed, economically sound, and fully aligned with the Island’s long-term public health needs.

"It is essential that any monies generated remain on the Isle of Man, reinvested into Manx Care and public healthcare, rather than flowing to UK companies for private profit.

"IOMTUC supports the Medical Society’s call for transparency, accountability, and a full public review, to ensure the Island’s healthcare system serves people — not profit."

Manx Care has been approached for comment.