The document launched by the government a few days ago on Primary Health Care is a long-awaited initiative for the country. As a patient who has been seeing the same doctor since the day I was born, I am really glad that this doctor will be given the opportunity to see directly my personal medical records and to order tests that he deems necessary for my well-being. Continual care is best done by our own personal doctors who have seen us change, grow and develop. For persons like me who have always had the privilege of a family doctor who has been there for all my family in times of need, this reform can only be commended.

The idea that the system will cater for both the health and community care of the population is important. Today community care should be emphasised more if we really want to ensure that we have a strong and healthy population. I for one, as suggested above, would have no problem registering with my doctor as he has been tried and tested and he already is my point of reference for all the issues that concern my health needs.

It is extremely praiseworthy that my doctor will now be my gatekeeper for services that he deems necessary for my secondary care and would have the responsibility to liaise with specialists at secondary level. This communication between my doctor and secondary sectors will continuously ensure that I receive continuous care by both my doctor and the specialist.

I have read that one of the problems is that the document insists that doctors should be on call 24 hours a day. Whenever health complications have arisen throughout the night my doctor has always been there to answer my telephone calls and when necessary make the extra trip to come and check the problem.

If your family doctor does not provide the necessary service you require, then use the rules of the market and change practitioner. The idea of group practices is interesting though it would necessitate certain changes in mentality that may take time to materialise.

I congratulate the government and the Parliamentary Secretary of Health, in particular, for having the courage to propose an interesting reform that was certain to create some worries. The government should be applauded for not shying away from taking decisions that might not always be liked but that are necessary for the well-being of the population.