UHC — Boon or Bane ?
Let me start thanking healthcare & front line angels who are doing great service to humanity during this challenging time.
UHC alias Universal Health Care is a boon or bane ?
Recently I had a catch up with my friends from different parts of the world (off-course virtual catch up, thanks to COVID-19 :) topic of discussion had gone from casual chat to serious topics like COVID impact in their current domicile/country; some are handling the pandemic better, others could do more. Among wide variety of topics, One got my attention, which is UHC alias Universal Health Care, some of my friends supported UHC whereas few others are not a great fan of it even called it as “Socialist”, made me to think through and eventually share this.
As many of you aware, Universal healthcare is a healthcare system in which all residents of a particular country or region are assured access to health care. Most universal health care systems are funded primarily by tax revenue whereas others employ a multi-payer system in which health care is funded by private and public contributions.
Pals who were not supportive of UHC were citing higher taxes, longer waiting for consultation especially for specialists, it encourages mediocrity etc.,. Others were supporting as UHC is accessible and affordable. One of the recent articles quoted that people in USA are spending approximately $9,403 per capita, which is nearly double as what others spend.
IMHO, everyone ( & every child) should be given opportunity to learn (education) and live (healthcare) regardless their social strata. This will not only help the individual but also the people of the country, society as a whole. Lets take the example of Stephen Hawking, who was a renowned scientist affected by “motor neuron disease”, still lived longer enough to achieve much. Thanks to NHS (National Health System) public healthcare system of UK. In his own words, Mr.Hawking highlighted that ““I wouldn’t be here today if it were not for the NHS. I have received a large amount of high-quality treatment without which I would not have survived.” He remained completely committed to defend NHS and batted for its funding until his demise.
Why UHC is significant ? especially in the post COVID-19 world ? number of reasons could be quoted, however the prime & simple justification would be “In COVID era, You are only as good as your fellow citizen is”.
People should get access to healthcare regardless of whether they can afford it or not, which improves overall public health.
Healthy population, Healthy lifestyle leads to Healthy economy !
Please feel free to share your thoughts.
source referred: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_health_care
source referred: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2018/mar/14/i-would-not-have-survived-nhs-enabled-stephen-hawking-to-live-long-life
#covid19 #humanityfirst #healthcare
