Should heavy smokers have to pay a contribution to their NHS health care?

Question

OK. Yes they pay tobacco tax and VAT etc. But I mean should they have to pay at the point of service ie at the doctor or the hospital when they are dying from cancer etc?

I see excess obesity, alcohol related diseases and HIV all in the same light. These are all things most people could avoid (there are genuine exceptions for obesity)

In answer to Veronica dom, I think those who knowingly by their choice of lifestyle shorten their lives or by their lifestyle choices put severe extra strain on the NHS should pay an extra contribution over and above their taxes for their treatment. I do NOT say the same should apply to those with condition that are not their fault or choice, such as congenital disorders and I think it is disgrace that you might allege I was arguing that those with congeital disorders should pay for treatment.

Answer 1

The amount of revenue from tobacco already pays a huge amount towards the NHS. I understand where you are coming from but I don't think that would be fair. If smoking were banned then the amount of money lost by the government would be enormous.

Answer 2

No. Somkers shouldn't pay more taxes than anyone else. As I smoke religiously, I will outline the benefits of smoking as follows:

1.) they save the time and money for NHS. Once smokers get sick, you don't even need to diagnose. It's pretty clear what disease we have.

2.) I want to sue those who discriminate against smokers. Mental health is as important as physical health. Suck in your first cigarette when you need it most, let it out freely and all a day's stress have gone... into thin air. Better than sex.

3.) Smoke properly, you will never get any serious disease. So long as one keeps a limit, it's absolutely fine.

4.) Smoking KILLS. How classic! I have a classic answer too. Everybody dies. Why not die with dignity (i.e : do what you want to do). Live your day, enjoy your life and be happy.

5.) Smokers are philosophical, quiet and thoughtful. They are intelligent, quick witted and above all... sexy.

6.) A wise man once said "Those who smoked and quit never learned to smoke properly." True. What a waste of money for those quitters. Shame on you.

7.) There is an alternative way of smoking. A healthier way. Smoke cigars or pipes. They don't contain chemical or paper (which is cabon dioxide). My grand dad smoked pipes till 93. He never had any cancer.

8.) True smokers (Gents) are not womenizers. You must believe it. As said earlier, the taste from a fine tobaco is much better than ..... you know what i mean.

9.) Unlike teetotellers, smokers know when to start and more importantly when to STOP. They do not smoke like there's no tomorrow. Once they had enough, it's enough. (never more than 2 cigarettes a time).

10.) NOTE: the above brief benefits are just a snap shot. They do not apply to those who smoke socially. Every dedicated smoker can tell you more about it.

Myo

Answer 3

I have to admit i am a smoker so perhaps I'm biased however I do not think that smokers should pay any more than anyone else. we contibute sufficent funds to the nhs with taxes on cigarettes etc.

Dont get me wrong I agree that if we get smoking related illnesses we have no one to blame but ourselves and we are well aware of the risks involved.

However there are so many other aspects to consider for a start alot of people are like me and started smoking as a teenager and unfortunetly got addicted and would now love to quit but find it very difficult.

Also we are all uk citizens and all have the right for nhs health car, if you start charging if people are to blame then where do you stop.

does a person who attmpted suicide have to pay for their treatment? what if someone crossed the road without looking and got knocked over?what about alcoholics? the list could go on.

I understand why people resent smokers using nhs, however I've worked hard all my life never been unemployed, never claimed benefits and always paid taxes, surely i deserve treatement as much as anyone else?

Answer 4

I have given up smoking now but I don't think smokers should have to pay anymore than anybody else.
What about drinking? More innocent people end up needing the NHS as a result of other people's drinking (that they choose to do) than non smokers as a result of people smoking.
Smoking will never ever be banned completely as it brings in too much revenue.

Answer 5

I hear you say they pay via taxes, but as a health care worker dealing with cancer every day, let me state for the record: Add up all the taxes they ever paid and it will get then a fraction of the care they need. The rest is from us. There are no cures, just slow (only occasionally fast) death. Justice for their stupidity perhaps, but we are all paying the financial costs.

Answer 6

Oh what?! Not that I care either way, but a pack of cigarettes could retail at around 50p and still be profitable. They are currently what, 5 quid a pack... So, there is plenty of tax going somewhere. Maybe they should get a rebate because they will be gone sooner and not hog the beds as long...

Answer 7

Look if you do it for smokers, then you have to also do it for people who drive too fast, drivers who talk on cell phones, people who eat too much animal fats, overweight people, people with eating disorders .... anyone with a habit that may contribute to needing health care.

You cant just choose one segment of the population, when others with bad habits cause as much problems.

And no, I am not, never have been, a smoker.

Answer 8

Yes. Its their addiction they should pay the consequences, i disagree if its for a broken leg for instance but any related smoking illness should be paid for. Regardless on paying tax for cigarettes anyway. Its self inflicted and there are people out there who don't smoke and get ill. I hate smoking its a flithy habit and Im glad smoking bans are in place. We need more smoking bans though.

Answer 9

Smokers should have to pay ALL cost associated with any medical side affects of smoking. They have the right to choose to smoke but they should also have to deal with the results 100%.

Answer 10

should drinkers, those overweight, should those born with congenital disorders and diseases. should the disabled be made to dig the roads if they have a good arm or any arms at all. should those in wheelchairs be attached to caravans and made to haul people around in taxi-fashion. should we have child labour, should we make them go up chimneys, close schools and make them all work in a mcdonald's burger bar. should we go backwards instead of forwards. should we lose all sense. should we let old people lie in their own excrete, should we use dead peoples bones to make broth, should we eat our pets, should we house pedophiles in one nedroomed accommodation next to schools......oops, we already do that.

it's a crazy world we live in, let's not get any crazier, or we'll revert to being animals.