FigmentSpark
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 9, 2016
To clarify without spreading misinformation, Danny Williams went to the U.S. to have his surgery because his case required a very specialized type of surgery that was not available anywhere in Canada at the time (2010). He did so on the advice of his doctors, not to circumvent any part of the healthcare system.Health care in the US is undeniably expensive. But when Danny Williams, the Premier of Newfoundland had a heart attack, he came to the US for surgery, he did not stay in Canada. I have colleagues who have package deals set up with local hotels to do quick turnaround knee replacements for Canadians (who pay out of pocket) because we're close to the border and they can't get their knees done.
Each country has problems with their healthcare system- I know, I spent 10 days in London learning about the NHS, brainstorming problems with them, and met with health care people from all over the world. All countries struggle to pay for it one way or the other- with taxes, or out of patient's or their employer's pockets, or with rationing. Part of it is that we're blessed with technology and treatment that we never had before. I personally am alive and kicking due to dreadfully expensive drugs most non-US countries health plans would never pay for.
Bottom line is every country has problems, it all costs a horrific amount, and the solutions differ from place to place, depending on their populations. There is no way an American would ever put up with the NHS, heck we won't even share a room. Canadians are shocked at what health cares costs here, but we can give our patients practically any technology available on the face of the planet. And so it goes. If there is a perfect system, I've yet to see it.
Please stop (not you in particular.... everyone in general) using him as an example to imply we have a failing healthcare system.