I sure am. After Newfoundland Premier Danny William’s last visit south of the border for heart surgery, Canada’s “prized” healthcare system has come under attack…surprise, surprise…by Americans. Can you hear the sarcasm here?
Ever since US President Obama introduced the idea of a Universal Healthcare System in US, our healthcare system has come under severe scrutiny. And Danny William’s trip is just like dangling a juicy steak in front of hungry wolves. Way to go, Danny.
But is his decision wrong? Should Canadians feel insulted? Just how “prized” is our healthcare system?
Personally, I am very supportive of Canada’s Universal Healthcare system. It makes us special! And of course, all the fuss that US have made attempting to adopt our healthcare system has really bumped up the pride points.
Let’s keep score here:
Canada: 1 point US: 0 points.
Canadians are generally satisfied with the healthcare system. Aside from a few who complain that the wait times are too long (secretly, I agree), there has been no major dissatisfaction with the system. Why should there be? It’s free and it’s easily accessible. In Toronto alone, we have at least a dozen major hospitals within a few miles of each other. How can you beat that?
Canada: 2 points US: still no points
But let’s talk about wait times here. No one likes to wait of course. But I’ll bet most Canadians have spent the majority of their lives waiting for healthcare services. Maybe that’s why we’re so much more patient than Americans. Waiting, might not be such a big problem if you have the cold or something, but when it comes to the heart…waiting might not be such a good idea. You never know when it might stop beating after all.
So, here’s the downside to free and easily accessible healthcare: longer wait times. I mean, since you don’t have to worry about the moolah, then everyone is probably in line (even for little things like a cold or a bruise – seriously, what do you want the doctor to say? ‘Oh, don’t worry; we won’t have to amputate your leg. It’s just a tiny bruise.’?). South of the border, though, as long as you have the cash in your hands, medical service comes quicker than a blink of the eye.
Canada: 2 points US: 1 point.
But then again, my suggestion is that if you are terribly paranoid (like me), live in Canada, because the healthcare is free and accessible, so it’s okay if you visit the doctor because of a fever or cold.
Canada: 2.5 points US: 1 point.
What happens when you don’t have money though? If you’re in the US, you can wait patiently for your death (hmm…Americans might be more patient after all…). If you’re in Canada, no worries! Just visit the nearest hospital and you get treated for free. For FREE! Can you believe it? Just how jealous do you think Americans are when they are dishing out thousands of dollars for a simple operation?
Canada: 3.5 points US: 1 point.
US, however, is known as the leading country in research, with very advanced technology. Undoubtedly, it is also very advanced in medical technology. So supposedly, if the best hospitals in US can’t treat your illness, you’re doomed. Well, to put it in a nicer way, US hospitals are supposedly more adept at treating patients and offer better Medicare. That should at least be worth a point.
Canada: 2.5 points US: 2 points.
On the other hand, Canada is also one of the leading countries in research and our medical technology should be on par with that of the US (or so Canadian doctors claim). Any heart operations that can be done there could be done here. Hmm…but yet there’s the issue with waiting times. What good is a heart operation if you’re already dead? That’s something to think about. But regardless, let’s give Canada a half point.
Canada: 3 points US: 2 points.
On last thing. Thousands of Canadians go south of the border to receive treatments every year. Ouch. What a blow to our egos. And worse yet, Americans claim that our healthcare system has stayed intact only because Canadians can receive treatment in the US. OUCH. Talk about arrogant neighbours. But…there is a bit of truth in this…
Canada: 3 points US: 3 points.
Well, it’s ultimately tied. But as the writer, I get to give my final, honest opinion on this.
What’s my take on this?
I think that Canada should have a Universal Dental Plan.