healthcare in the UK

[Guest guest]

I don't wish to comment on any other country's healthcare, but I do know a fair

bit about my own.Here we have had a national health service since 1948, paid for

from general taxation.You may have heard we have a general election coming up,

but all political parties support the National Health Service, and I have never

heard anyone oppose it, because all our healthcare is free at the point of use,

and medicines are affordable at £7.20 per prescription, or a 12 month " season

ticket " is available for unlimited meds for £104.00.Under 16s,over 60s, get meds

free, as do some people on low incomes, and certain chronic conditions.As far as

waiting times go, I have a current example with my own daughter, who is waiting

for a gallbladder removal operation.She started with symptoms in November,

several drugs were tried,tests and scans done, consultant seen, and surgery due

in two weeks time.She is on the operating list of the top consultant at one of

the largest teaching hospitals in Europe.Should she become worse, she will

attend the emergency section of that hospital, and probably be operated on

straightaway. All free. My father practised as a pharmacist both before and

after the advent of the NHS, and saw the benefits of the new system, where

before people died through lack of healthcare or medicines.

No one likes paying taxes, but most of us thank God that by doing so we have a

good healthcare system that benefits everyone.These are the facts; please don't

believe all you hear about our system.

Thanks for reading

Pam Leeds, England