Much debated since it was first introduced to the public for comment and consideration, the government’s core policy on national health insurance (“NHI”) was in many ways, at least until 12 August 2011, a thing of speculation rather than substance.

Numerous commentators have volunteered views and opinions in respect of NHI but, inevitably, much of what was conveyed seemed to be made up of speculation and assumption rather than fact.

The 12 August 2011 policy paper released by the Department of Health is the long awaited beginning of a more informed discourse which looks to come to grips with a wide ranging and massively significant socio-economic initiative.