Monday, March 13, 2006

It'll Make You Sick

Did you know that in Canada you are prohibited by law from paying for medical services privately or purchasing any private medical insurance?

I did not know that.

If you find yourself with 25 minutes to spare, you may want to check out On the Fence Films and their short piece called "Dead Meat." Probably the most gut-wrenching aspect of the film is when they document the superior care for animals that is provided by Canada's veterinarian clinics juxtaposed to the people interviewed who wait and wait and wait for surgeries and specialized care.

I cannot believe that Canadians are not allowed even to purchase their own medical care. I mean, I knew that they have socialized medicine, but most countries with socialized medicine also allow private alternatives to co-exist.

It's amazing.

4 comments:

Justine said...

Carole, why do you think that the waiting times have increased so drastically over recent years? Has the population increased dramatically, or is it a phenomenon similar to the U.S. where the life expectancy has placed unforeseen burdens on social programs and medical care?

Justine said...

Wait a second, here ... there are rich people in Canada?

Ha! Ha! I kid because I love. I do love Canada.

But, truly, that was the part that surprised me the most. I can sort of understand having a national basic healthcare system. I do not agree with it in principle, and I hope that that never comes to pass here in the U.S., but I can understand it. What I cannot understand is not allowing private medicine to function alongside government medicine. It would take a huge burden off the system, and probably get care more quickly to the vulnerable poor.

But, like you said, Billy, spreading misery is good, so long as it is equally spread.

Jo said...

I haven't had healthcare since my son was born, and that was the first time I'd used it in years. I'm with you Carole, I generally have to be dying. The only reason I used it that time was because our midwife actually took insurance. Woo hoo!
People get so reliant upon government. It's good to have to rely upon the Lord, even when it's hard.

Pablo said...

Luckily, the healthcare system is about to undergo a major change here in Canada. It can't be run as it has been for the last 30 years, despite what the Liberals have been saying since the 80's. Doctors and nurses are abused in order to prop up the sacred cow of healthcare, and you can just imagine what happens to patients as a result.