US President Barack Obama has made a final appeal to Democrats in the House of Representatives to vote in favour of his health care reform bill.

The president said the bill included the most important health care reforms in more than 40 years. His plan would allow nearly all US citizens to take out health insurance. At present, an estimated 32 million US citizens do not have health insurance.

The new health care system will only be introduced if at least 216 delegates vote in favour. The New York Times reports that 207 delegates have come out in favour of the bill so far, and 18 have not yet made up their minds. All Republican delegates and 28 Democrats are expected to vote against the bill.

The vote will be held later today.