In Praise Of National Healthcare

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Now, I know a lot of my American friends are opposed to Government run healthcare and a lot of my fellow Canadians are dissatisfied with it. I for one only have had good experiences. Mind you, I have not been sick very often in my life but recently I passed out when visiting my son's house. The paramedics were called twice and I spent two days in the hospital. I had 2 ECGs, a Catscan and an MRI. I was also seen by two specialists. Today I got the bill for my share of this episode. I have to pay $ 47.50 for all of this. I am very happy about it since I am retired and certainly could not afford huge hospital, test and specialist bills. Of course there are some difficulties with National health care. For instance you normally have to wait months for an MRI but in the hospital where I was the MRI unit runs 24hours a day 6 days a week. So if you are willing to take an appointment at 3 in the morning your wait is much shorter, just two days in my case. Then they also asked if I would take a cancellation on short notice. I said yes and got an appointment on a Saturday afternoon. Of course if none of this suits you can also ask to be referred to an MRI clinic in Buffalo N.Y. just over the border. It will cost you $750.00 and you can arrange it to suit your schedule. My next appointment with the specialist is only on Setp.12. I should really see him earlier but I have to phone every day to see if he has a cancellation. Inconvenient? most certainly? cheaper than going to Buffalo? most certainly.