> Ian Trimble <[log in to unmask]> writes
> >Mr Dobson has indicated that he would like to see the drug available
> >on the NHS for the "deserving impotent". What he does not want to see
> >is the Government funding of Viagra's use as a recreational drug by,
> >in Dobbo-speak, "men waving their potency in the discos".
>
> Is sex a recreation, or could it ever be classified as a need?
>
> Some other possible *recreational* drugs:
> methadone for heroin addicts
> diazepam for alcoholics
> ritalin for adult ADHD sufferers
> fluoxetine for the unhappy (as opposed to depressive illness)
> ventolin for smoking asthmatics
> nicotine inhalator for smokers
> sun block
> diazepam for flying
> None of them are essential for life. But they all ease suffering.
Dons flame suit...
Of course I agree with all the sentiments on this thread. But hang on a
minute, have we not been accusing the politicos of cowardice in not
admitting to rationing, of pretending that the NHS can provide
everything for everyone etc etc?
Is this not an ideal opportunity to start the ball rolling with a
national debate about whether certain conditions will be funded on the
NHS and certain ones won't? There will always be an element of
unfairness, particularly complained about by those that suffer from the
problem concerned. If IVF is banned (IMHO the private cost pales into
insignificance alongside the cost of 18 or more years of having to care
for a child) there will inevitably be those unfortunate people who get
depressed etc.
However, they are not talking about _banning_ Viagra, but an option
which *could* be merely not allowing it at public expense. Alcoholics
can't get alcohol..should heroin addicts get methadone?? If someone
who's exempt from charges wants to take diazepam to fly to Spain,
*shouldn't* they pay for it? Similarly for sun block...not sure I agree
with other examples but that's another point.
It is high time the debate began.
You can't make an omelette...;-)
Cheerio,
Graham
'Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at
which one can die.'
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