What a waste! Bill Mah's article (Nov 4, 2004) stating that Alberta spends $2,900 annually per person on health care had me thinking that the system simply does not address my needs. In fact, the health care system seems more concerned with addressing its own needs. Increases in health care spending are almost entirely sucked up by salary increases.
I think public funding of the consumers of health care is far superior to public funding of the suppliers of health care. Let the suppliers compete for consumer-directed dollars.
I am 51 years old. If the money accrued instead to my health card instead of to our money-pit of a health care system then I would have a $147,900 credit on my health tab. Deduct $52 (or whatever it costs to see a doctor for 5 minutes) for a useless physician visit 29 years ago.
I support nature-cure and holistic practices. Should I get sick then this is the way I would choose to direct my health care dollar. This is impossible within the current monopolistic system with its mantra of drugs and surgery.
A publicly funded health care system should not be exclusive but should allow for choice in health care. It is our right to choose health care just as we choose in politics and religion.
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Healer J. Mark Taylor, Medical Herbalist