Funding and future-proofing are priorities for Guernsey's new Health and Social Care President.
Deputy George Oswald, Guernsey's new head of Health and Social Care, told Island FM he is passionate about improving the island's healthcare system, but the introduction to politics has been "full-on".
He has been a doctor for more than 3 decades but has little political experience.
"August is meant to be a month off, but I can assure the public that none of us have been taking time off.
"There was a long induction process for the new members of the committee.
"Obviously, I served a previous term as a non-voting member; nevertheless, the induction process has been useful, so we’re only just switching to business as usual and trying to plan for the future."
One of his key campaign points was to make health care more accessible and affordable, and says a Goods and Services Tax would help achieve this.
He says local government can't match Jersey's subsidy for a GP consultation - which is just over £50 - without extra revenue from GST, which is due to come online in 2027.
He says Guernsey's £12 States contribution is not enough, as GP fees head towards £80 for a 10-minute consultation.
"All being well from my point of view, it (GST) will come in two years.
"Turkeys don't vote for Christmas, none of us want to pay more tax, but we are about the only jurisdiction in the Western world which doesn’t have a goods and sales tax, and we need to get up-to-date, and we need the money."
Deputy Oswald says there are no short-term wins for his committee, with the hospital modernisation project underway and a Primary Care Review planned.
He says they will look to "resurrect" the primary care working party and evaluate the role of pharmacies in the high street.
"At the end of four years, I sincerely hope that we have our plans firmly on the table and through the States, with a root forward for the future."
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