Should healthcare be made free to all citizens??

hospital hallway - Jusg sharing the image of the hospital hallway where I work..
Philippines
October 4, 2012 9:42am CST
In my opinion, healthcare should be a right of every individual. It should be made accessible and available to everyone especially to the poor. In today's health policies of the Department of Health, more and more services are made accessible to.the poor. More privileges and given especially to those belonging to the lower than poverty line. However, i also believe that here in the Philippines, this will never be made possible- making healthcare absolutely free- because we have a low budget on this sector. Healthcare department cannot sustain itself if its made free to all. Therefore, the secyor can only implement helpful programs but not subsidize everything. But, on the extreme, I really wish healthcare should.be made frer.. Because health, being our wealth, will in return make our country more progressive.... Am i right? Perhaps....
1 person likes this
7 responses
@ztuberi (395)
• Philippines
5 Oct 12
Its actually free in our country. Though maybe some services are poor. We have public health centers. Its free. And for everybody. I've been in health centers in rural and urban areas. They actually have good programs. What's disappointing about us is we always expect our government to come to our doors. You know, our people act like babies who wants to be spoonfed. We should act individually, a good habit should start on ourselves. We shouldn't always rely to somebody else. Again, I say, healthcare is just around our corners. We just have to go there. Though there are still provinces (those in the mountains) who doesn't have easy access to healthcare, but I know government officials have schedules to visit them. I don't know if you knew about volunteer nurses (supported by our government) to give service to provinces.
• Singapore
5 Oct 12
I agree to ztuberi. We just need to interact more in our communities so we are well informed about the free benefits that our community offers, especially on free healthcare programs initiated by the governments for LGUs.
1 person likes this
@ecaron (678)
• Canada
4 Oct 12
Healthcare is essential to everyone and we have universal healthcare here in Canada. We pay indirectly through taxes but most Canadians think it's worth it because in the states you need insurance to get good healthcare. I think it should be an essential service the government should provide for every country no matter if you are rich or poor because illness doesn't discriminate. It should be a right of everyone in the world.
• Philippines
5 Oct 12
That is one reason i would like to migrate to Canada. Healthcare. I really wish I could live in that country...
@andy77e (5156)
• United States
25 Oct 12
Not at all. In order to provide health care to everyone for free, or at a very low cost, the government would have to do one of two things. First it could drastically raise taxes. If it raises taxes, then you will have less money, fewer jobs, and your economy would suffer. Second, it could reduce care. Limit the number of patients the hospital can take (which Canada does), or limit the medications available (which France does), or simply place people on massive waiting lists, which cause people to leave, or die before getting treatment (which UK does). Instead you should move toward a pay-for-service system. Let the people who want service, earn money and pay for it. The United States was built on that ideal, and that's why we're wealthy.
@kenshin2143 (1880)
• Philippines
4 Oct 12
Having a decent health care programs is a necessity for every man. However, you should also take into consideration that we are not equally situated. There are those who can afford to pay for such medication. On the other side, there are also those people that it would take tons of money for them to be totally well. However, maybe at least having free generic medicines and basic check ups would already be fair and appropriate.
• Philippines
8 Oct 12
I second the thought. In terms of health care, everyone shoudl benefit from it, Even the healthiest citizen. I have Philhealth as my health insurance but they recently set the amount higher since many are using this service.I just hope that when it is my time to avail, I would have the same coverage as those befor eme.
• United States
4 Oct 12
This is a really tough question and one that is often debated. I believe everyone should have equal access to quality healthcare. The problem is where is the money coming from to pay for these services? Maybe if everyone has a right then everyone should equally pay for it. We all pay the same and get the equal services. I know there is such a variance of who gets what and who pays and who does not. The first thing you are asked when you visit a doctor, healthcare provider or hospital is do you have insurance. It is going to be a difficult road ahead and one that is going to make enemies no matter what choices are made.
• Philippines
7 Oct 12
all i can say, all in all is Health is Wealth... but they should free the healthcare to all the people. they can also gain a benefit for that. which is the happiness of the people... ...good day!...
@bembzee (768)
• Philippines
4 Oct 12
You are right Mickrodge. We are suppose to be enjoying that healthcare benefits. But on our present situation, that is next to impossible. I think we need to stabilize first our economic situation. And that will take a little too long.