President O' and the NHS

I'm a fan of President Obama but I cant understand his recent comment criticising the British National Health service.

Yes there are those against the Nhs (usualy those with a vested financial interest in private medicine) but for 60 years the British NHS has given free health care and medication to millions who can or cant afford to go 'Private'.

I know so many Americans that would benefit from such a service over there, even if it only realeses them from the constant worry of seeking medical help.

Well I am not a fan! 

 But I will agree with you about the NHS, an excellent means of ensuring health care for those who cannot afford it. While I was stationed there it amazed me that the US did not embrace this means of taking care of the so many.  The care in the UK was not substandard, in fact I found it to be in many ways above average. 

 I am almost sure that there are flaws in the system, like everything else, but the bottom line is that no one should be turned away for health care.  My 2 cents! 

I am in full agreement with Donna!  I have used the NHS and i never had any problems!

Donna, where were you stationed??

I agree Michael - we are very lucky to have the NHS. Most of the doctors and nurses are very dedicated. Shame about the admin side of things though!

Although as a self employed person who's National Insurance Contributions pay for about half the population of Dudley to have free health care it does grate a bit sometimes - especially as the self employed have hardly if any sick pay, poor pensions at retirement and little or no out of work pay (they offered one of my clients £4 a week with a family of 4 to keep!). Sorry - one of my big gripes!!!!

my message to the people of America (and anyone else for that matter) is 'if you get the chance of a 'free' National Health service, grab it with both hands!!!

Of course theres no such thing as a 'free' service, it has to be paid for and will take a lot out of a countries budget but if money can be found for space projects and overseas aid/defence surely health of your citizens should also be a priority.

There appears to be a large anti-NHS lobby going on in the states at the moment by bodies with a finacial interest (Insurance companies, drug companies and private medical staff), these campaigners are using so-called british anti NHS representatives to falsly misrepresent our NHS (We've seen the clips lol)

The british NHS is 60 year old and still going strong, the problem is if we stop our NHS and all go 'private' those that could afford to pay will be 'ripped off', those who cant afford to pay but could afford health insurance will be worse off and still get 'ripped-off' and those who cant afford to pay and cant afford insurance will die off.

For those that doubt my words I cite the present day Dental service and the Vetenary services. I kid you not!!

Free basic HEALTH Care and more, should be a right for all. This is NOT a political statement but a fact of life.

Agree with all your comments Michael. Just wish there wasnt so much money wasted within the NHS. There are still far too many bureaucrats who havent a clue how to run a business. To compou nf the issue, our wonderful unelected leader,Mr Brown, sets irrelevant targets that focus minds on irrelevant issues. If only the system was run by professional successful businessmen it could be the envy of the world.

One very connected area that does have my whole hearted support is the prescription system. It rankles a little that in England the majority of people have to pay for medicines whereas in Scotland they are free (is this again to do with our wonderful unelected Scottish leader?) However even if you have to pay, the charges are not excessive. I am not too sure on current costs (being over 60 I get them for free!) but I believe you can get an annual card for around £90 which becomes the maximum you have to pay in a whole year. Certainly the medicines I still have to take following my heart attack would have been out of my reach but for this very generous system.

My wife's family in Arkansas are amazed at this. So many times I hear of them having to forgo much needed drugs because they are simply unable to afford them

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