On 04/22/98 11:57:45, "SHEILA TEASDALE" <[log in to unmask]>
wrot
>I am continually amazed by Ahmad's psychic powers, but this time
>email has let him down - those who know me will vouch that I never
>get indignant - I don't get mad, either, but I do get even! ;-))
Oh, Sheila, can't I tease you? ;-)
>My point was that unlike the USA, we have a system of social medicine
>in this country - you may not like that, or you may think that the
>money allocated to the NHS is insufficient, but I was merely stating
>a fact. The NHS is *not* 'free', and we *do* pay for it through our
>taxes.
Of course your point is correct. However, my counterpoint was that for
people in this country, their 'health buck' doesn't go very far and
doesn't buy very much. YET, they expect an awful lot for their money.
>Seeing the number of people on this list who are anxious
>about the rationing that appears to be going on, either covert or
>overt, I imagine we will all be happy to see an increase in the rate
>of income tax (along with full employment of course, so that everyone
>can contribute) so that as a nation we can afford better healthcare
>(and of course better pay for our health care professionals) ;-))
In the 3000 odd years of democracy, no government has ever been elected
on a promise to raise taxes.
In fact, history tells us that the world's bloodiest revolts were
triggered by tax increases.
History also tells us that raising taxes has always been the most potent
weapon of the tyrant.
So, I'd say we'd better get used to the idea of dwindling resources and
increasing demands, not rely on magic bottomless resources and start
thinking about what I referred to some 3 years ago on this list as
'Blade Runner Cities'.
In a previous thread, I informed the list that my earings/patient/year
were c.ukp32.00 for the average 4 consults a year person.
How about giving everybody on my list that sum of money every year and
let them sort their health care themselves?
To borrow Mervin's phrase:
WHAT IF THIS IS AS GOOD AS IT GETS?
Ahmad
_____________________________________________
Dr Ahmad Risk
http://mednetics.org
Chairman British Healthcare Internet Association (http://www.bhia.org)
Director Internet Healthcare Coalition (http://www.ihc.net)
Home: +44 1273 724866/748198
Work: +44 1737 240022
Fax: + 44 1273 244660
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