Should a government provide health care to its citizens?

Question

Why or why not?

To provide it means to give it for free, but there will be taxes of course so might not fit the definition of totally free.

Remember details are awesome.
Thanks everyone

Answer 1

The socialized medicine in the commonwealth countries works much better than the medical industry in the U.S.

National health care yes, national health coverage, no, that would just raise the level the prices are fixed at even higher.

Answer 2

Absolutely, it is really part of the government job to provide adequate shelter for all of its citizens. In the first draft of either the "Bill of Rights" or the Constitution the phrase " the right to life,liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." Was more accurately phrased life, happiness, and the protection of property.
Lets take peek at what the pharmaceuticals, they have not come up with any new or innovated drugs in decades. They keep their eyes on progress being made in publicly funded and publicly owed universities. When a drug show promise, big Pharma steps in and takes over doing double blind studies etc. as the drug shows more promise, it becomes privatized.
This leaves tax payers taking 100% of the risk and zero of the benefits.
as lobbies for pharma argue the have to charge so much to stay "competitive" Nothing could be further from the truth. I also find it very disturbing that the large Pharma lobbiest set aside $millions each year to change the Canadian Health care system. This money is either faceted in as either Research and Development. Or advertising and promotion or education.
Another alarming fact is that big Pharma is now teaching the courses in continuing education for practising physcians American pay more for their drugs, invented and developed in the U.S.A. then any other coutry on the planet. Here's one that is really laughable. Remember Prozac?...well after exhasting every single elgal mean possable to extend their patent, they finally hit the end of the road.
This is when Zolloft, Paxil,Welbetron and a whole host of other anti depressions were allowed on the market.
Then came all the hype about "menstral cramping disorder" as it turns out, those we white and green prozacs were changed to green and purple, not a single ingrediant was changed or modified. Only what thy supposedly treated. The main thing is Big pharma gives big donatins to pesidential campaigns. their goal is to make it seemas though it is immossable. Every single country inthe west gives free health care to every citizen except the country that invents and manufactes most of the drugs. As Sennator Kerry once said 'there is no political will for health care' ie; health lobbiest are out full force fighting in D,C, against one of the things 'We the people want the most.

Answer 3

The more a government endeavours to do for the civic body it represents, the less responsibility and accountability the civic body will assume itself.

For instance, in the aftermath of the Oklahoma Dust Bowl, noone questioned FEMA's lack of involvement in aiding the citizenry affected by Nature's capricious wrath. Nor did those so adversely affected wait for aide. Their plight, and more importantly their response, is an eternal testimont to the resiliance of the American spirit and a reflection of the tenacious courage of the men whom founded this country. Now juxtapose that incident with the outcome of a similar natural disaster, like say, the landing of Hurricane Katrina. Granted all analogies are inherent logical fallacies, but the parallel is apt in this case I believe.

Capitalism thrives in a climate of free market enterprise as competition breeds success, when health providers are contending for clientelle their customers will ultimately be the ones whom win. It is this very philosophy which prompted Roosevelt to break apart the Trusts at the turn of the century, though it was not strictly within governmental jurisdiction to do so, and remains valid to this day.

Answer 4

I see a few people here bashing the Doctors who have spent 12-17years plus learning and PAYING for the ability to save peoples lives. Not to mention working 24 hour days while in residency for pennies and all that after they have to beat out their competition with qualifying grades and performance just to have a shot at being a Physician. They graduate with huge debt and have a shortwindow to earn what they are worth. The attention should be put on the lawyers with frivolous lawsuits playing the system to get a settlement as they know what price will be cheaper for the insurance companies to settle instead of going to court. How about the workers compensation and welfare frauds? We do have government health care and it is called medicare and medicaid. This system is abused as well, health care professionals treat medicaid patients who have 5 kids, a large SUV and a cell phone for all members of the family. How are they elligable for assistance? Ignorant people cite Canada's social medicine program for success but it is not even close. You have to wait months for proper testing and treatment that is performed immediately in the states. I like the above comparison of standing in the DMV line to waiting for social health care. The answer is the current health care system is not broke.We need reform to the tort laws to prevent frivolous lawsuits and enforcement of the laws on the book for medicare/ medicaid abuse. No other country in the world can compete with America's level of medicine.

Answer 5

Nothing comes free, Someone will have to pay for it. The Government $$ comes from me and you so if the Government provides free health care the WE will pay for it.

Answer 6

Yes, if, it helps to ensure adequate care for all citizens of that country, and sadly, a lot of abuse in the current system, not only by recipients, but, by doctors, hospitals, and government institutions that rips-off the health-care programs today, is what makes it a fricken challenge

Answer 7

It seems very few of these answerers have had to deal with someone in their family getting sick and not being able to pay for medical care. If you are uninsured (like my formerly cab-driving dad) and need medical aid it will be provided--but not the same aid one would get if they had insurance. If all people could be assured health care in a caring and dignified manner, we would have a healthier, happier society. Those born poor should not suffer for being poor.

Answer 8

Yes, absolutely. Health care in the US is in a sorry state. There are people who cannot afford pre-natal care, so they and their babies suffer. There are people who cannot afford to buy their medicine and groceries both. A responsible government should be concerned enough about the health and welfare of its citizens that healthcare should be an unquestioned right always.

Answer 9

Most doctors today deserve to be hanged for the stealing of entire fortunes, destroying families, exploiting the sick, so as to hord money back for their spoiled children. For a not honest days work the should be pid about the same as a policeman or fireman. They help the public as often and use their training as often. 40k$ a yr. no more government paid or hospital paid. Then a broken arm would cost 35$ without insurance.

Answer 10

No.

Anything run by the government is inefficent, wasteful, and very open to abuse. Veterans get health care through the government, and it's in pretty sorry shape.

Another example is schools. Very few, if any, people choose public schools over private schools when they have the money for the latter.