It's interesting to hear so many Americans discussing Obama's healthcare reform. Just having a baby in this country and realizing the costs involved and how insurance companies can get out of paying for pre-natal testing, maternity costs...it's no small wonder we need reform.
But, then, again. Let's look at the other side of the coin. Let's ask some questions in which we compare Europe, where most healthcare is free against the healthcare we have here in the USA. Why has some of Europe's leading statesmen come to the USA to have major surgeries? What is the success rate against cancer in the USA compared to Europe.
Cancer Survival Rates are lower as are most survival rates for terminal diseases. Without heavy private Funding, the research is not as extensive in the UK into these fields as in the USA. This brings up an interesting point.
British citizens are always interested in the amount of monies raised by universities, the likes of Yale and Duke – where Medical Centers are at the forefront of Medicine and science. As these university networks grow and extend beyond their campus borders, so does medical research. Without these private initiatives, albeit supported with government funding but remaining largely private, where would the advancement come from? Would the US government have the future of medicine in their grasp and would we be voting health professionals into research bodies?
Having been a part of British society for close to 17 years, it is interesting to note the pros and the cons of a government sponsored and controlled healthcare system. Hospitals and clinics in metropolitan areas were not nearly as efficient, clean or effective as medical centers outside the Major cities. Outside the cities, patients rave about the NHS (National Health Service), but within the cities the complaints are varied and loud.
Government Distribution Of Funding, Medicine & Services
In looking at why this might be the case, the governement funding is not equally shared. Just like the post office which has to cater to all parts of the country, its service is better enjoyed by the few who live in rural areas. The costs of delivery are higher, but the delivery is certainly there. Same with medicine. Those outside major population centers will receive better service, no doubt. Is that fair? Perhaps we should all buy a farm!
Healthcare & Immigration
In closing, the biggest issue facing the UK as a whole is immigration. The number of Eastern Europeans and Middle Eastern people moving to the UK is at record levels and putting a major strain on the NHS and its services. “FREE” medicine is enticing to immigrants who struggle to afford insurance. Along with English as a more popular language and the NHS, immigrants pass through Germany and France and batter their way to England. Even the despised dictator General Pinochet flew to the UK to enjoy FREE medicine! Unfortunately, for him, Spain caught him in the act and had him extradited. But it just goes to show the extremes people to which people will go to find free medical coverage.
If Healthcare Reform is overdue, which we believe it is, please, Mr Obama, note that immigration reform must go hand in hand with it and, please, only allow taxpayers to take advantage of any publicly available funds. We cannot service the world with our hospitals and doctors and nurses as the UK is presently doing.
