Monday 27 January 2014

Is Healthcare For The Poor And Undeserved A Realistic Goal

By Eliza Mendoza


It is a sad fact that medical care has become horrendously expensive. Many people only regard the value of their health when they become ill or when they contract a disease. Those that can afford it pay for medical insurance or health plans and they are able to obtain the best possible care when they need it. The question about providing healthcare for the poor and undeserved people remains a contentious issue in many countries.

There are those that say that public health services are counterproductive and that such services should be viewed in the same light as financial services. Only those that can afford it should have the privilege. These critics say that medical care for all and sundry is simply too expensive and that it places a huge burden on tax payers. They say that it is an individual responsibility to make provision for medical care.

On the other hand, humanists are arguing that it is the duty of society to look after the whole of society, including those that are destitute, jobless or needy. The state is there to look after and to represent everybody, not just the wealthy and the productive citizens. Catering for the needs of every single citizen, regardless of the social status of that person is enshrined in the constitution of most democracies.

In fact, there are numerous benefits in providing medical care to all and sundry. For one thing, if a significant portion of people are excluded from medical care disease may develop and spread unchecked. It is far better to prevent disease that to cure it and it is cheaper also. It is practical and sensible to try and deal with disease in any community.

There are other benefits to efficient public health systems. Those that are not able to receive proper health care may spread diseases such as tuberculosis, HIV and many other infectious conditions that can easily develop into a serious problem. In fact, history provides many examples of national pandemics caused by a few infected individuals. It is in the interest of everybody that a population remains healthy and disease free.

Governments have a responsibility towards all citizens. This include programs that will help the unfortunate I every possible area. This does not mean that welfare state should be the norm, but merely that basic services should be available to all. Health services are perhaps the most important of all. Only healthy people can develop, look for work and contribute towards society.

The cost of medical services is expensive. Many people begrudge the additional taxes that they have to pay to finance public medical schemes. There will always be poor people, people in prisons and people that are simply not able to contribute towards society. They simply cannot be left to rot. They need to eat and they need medical attention.

Arguing about whether or not to provide healthcare for the poor and undeserved should not be the issue. The debate should rather focus on how to help such people live more meaningful and productive lives. Everybody has a responsibility towards his or her fellow man. If taxes should be paid to maintain road, taxes should be paid to maintain society.




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