According to StudentScholarships.org, the quarrel over whether privatization of the [Canadian] Health Care System is beneficial is an ongoing and heated debate. Individuals in favor of the privatization quote numerous benefits, the primary argument being: a reduction in waiting times for all patients.

While there is no question that the waiting times for medical care are a pressing issue, I believe privatization is no feasible solution. The overall standard of service received under the proposed new Health Care system would no doubt decline.

Furthermore, privatization would undermine our Canadian values of equality for all individuals. Our belief that each citizen has the equal right to receive medical treatment would be challenged if a tiered Health Care system was enforced.

At first glance, privatization might be seen in a positive light, as those individuals who could afford it would jump the queue – in turn, the waiting line would be shorter for the remaining patients; however, another contributing factor to a shorter waiting line, would be the simple fact that those individuals recognizing that they cannot afford to receive medical care, would neglect to seek help.

Privatization of health care alone would not suddenly increase the amount of physicians available to treat patients, nor would it suddenly free up time for physicians to see more patients.

As it stands right now, emergency room patients are treated on a basis of severity, not who can pay a higher fee. I believe introducing a private health care system would give an unfair advantage to the wealthy, while potentially neglecting those individuals who, while greatly needing the help, cannot afford it.

The social question then arises over whether judging an individual’s worth through monetary values alone is justified. Surely one’s salary level does not determine just how valuable he is to society? Read the rest of this entry »