Dear Editor,
Just before Christmas, I had my annual blood test.
Because I was approaching 70, it was recommended that they test for prostate cancer.
Since then, I have had physical exams, an MRI scan, an appointment with a urology specialist, a PET scan, a further discussion with an oncology nurse, and a course of hormone treatment.
And all of it was without charge.
I’ve now spoken to someone in the USA, who has had a similar diagnosis; however, the costs to him were very different.
Although he had medical insurance, it failed to cover all the costs of the necessary tests.
As a result, he has been handed bills well in excess of £20,000, and he expects to receive more over the course of his treatment.
The NHS is a service of which we should all be very proud.
And yet, there are those who would see it replaced with an American-style medical insurance system.
Every year, over half a million citizens of the USA declare bankruptcy because their medical bills push them so far into debt that they have no other choice.
We all run the risk of illness or injury; if the NHS were to be replaced by medical insurance, we might also see comparable levels of debt.
When people go out to vote, they should consider if they feel able to afford the risk of choosing candidates that will care more for profit, and less for the health of their family, friends, and neighbours.
Regards,
Tony Sutcliffe
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