Universal Healthcare is a Human Right, Right?
Nine years ago we thought I had cancer. Luckily I didn't but I did have a tumour the size of a basketball in my uterus. I went to my doctor thinking I might have a stomach ulcer and within a week of visiting the surgery I had been seen, examined, scanned and probed to within an inch. Booked in for surgery, tumour removed and back home, all within a fortnight. Serious pain meds, follow up visits and on going care. Free at the point of use.
Fast forward a few years and I had what I thought was a few tummy bugs. Vomiting quite regularly. After six months of this (I know I am crap) went to the doctors. My sky high blood pressure became the issue of that meeting. Sent home with meds to regulate the blood pressure. That night I started vomiting blood. Ambulance called. 4 day hospital stay. Perforated ulcer. 6 monthly endoscopes for the last two years. Free at the point of use.
I now have daily medication for blood pressure and what I call my tummy ache pills. I pay $22.64 every two months for this.
I am extremely lucky to earn well and am a net contributor to the tax system. They take more than I will use, even with the last decade of relying on the NHS. BUT, even if I was on a minimum wage the story would have been the same. They would even have helped with my transport costs and I would not have to pay the derisory prescription costs I currently pay.
If you are also unlucky enough to be in a job that will not pay you when you are sick, the state will give you statutory sick pay. Not enough to go partying, but enough to keep a roof over your head while you recover.
No debt
No bills
No bankruptcy
And, well enough to go back to earning a living and contributing to the economy!
It is not rocket science is it?
If you look at the stats, the American GDP spend on healthcare is more that the UK but families also need to buy healthcare insurance. The tax return on basic income earners in the US is higher than the UK but still families also need to buy healthcare insurance.
Logically, that does not compute.
Everyday I am thankful for the NHS. Universal Healthcare is a human right, right?