The Vancouver Province editorial of July 21 asked, "What's wrong with private health care?" They stated, "The two key principles of universal, government-funded health care, surely, are: a) everyone should have access to quality care, and b) no one should go broke no matter what medical condition they develop."
They ask, "But how, as governments claim, does allowing people to buy quicker, better or more innovative care for themselves, their loved ones or others harm either of those principles?"
The answer for the Conservatives and Reformers is very simple and it's all about their word “quality.” If private health care is allowed to parallel public health care then the best and most qualified doctors will naturally go where they can make the most money. That means those patients with less money will not get the same “quality” of care. This discrimination means some cats will be more privileged than the mice.
The Province lists some examples of unequal health care in Canada — armed forces, police, and worker's compensation clients. They use this to justify, and add, another level of inequality.
If the rich want private health care, and also relieve the pressure on the system, there is nothing stopping them from going south. Just don't try to limit your fellow citizen's right to “quality” care.
DAVID SAGER
Clearwater
