Posted by
Libertybob on Saturday, May 26, 2007 10:14:08 PM
The great economist Walter Williams has laid forth
the following challenge:
"I challenge anyone to identify a problem with health care in America that is not caused or aggravated by federal, state and local governments. And, I challenge anyone to show me people dying on the streets because they don't have health insurance."
It is easy to see problems in America, and assume that since power exists (Government,) we should use that power to rectify the problem. Rarely are the reasons the problem exists in the first place even examined, let alone even brought up as pertinent. Any solution which doesn't rely on the Government is seen as being against the great purpose, rather than any justified proposal to the solution.
Indeed, Walter Williams has thrown down the gauntlet. Are Governments the best form of regulating medical standards? I will assume we are discussing American Government, and the American Healthcare system.
Who sets standards on quality of practice? Government licenses physicians, nurses, practically every therapist, etc... But do bureaucrats determine the standards of practice? No, the standards of practice are determined by the professionals themselves, through peer-reviewed research and professional organizations. Medical schools set the standard of education based on the standards of practice. Government requirements on all fronts stand in the way.
Who determines if a medication is safe? Not the FDA, because if a drug is approved overseas and your doctor thinks it is safe FOR YOU, the government says he can't give it. If a drug is approved by the FDA and your doctor doesn't want to prescribe it for you, you won't get it. Doctors and patients ultimately make the decision on prescriptions, and many helpful medications are approved in other countries and illegal in the United States. Some drugs are realized as dangerous (Vioxx) and pulled from the market, regardless of whether the doctor and patient consider the increased risk worth the potential benefit.
I could keep going, but the implications should be clear, Government does not solve problems, it creates them.
Imagine for a minute there were no Government influence in healthcare:
How would you choose an insurance plan? By offering your money in the form of monthly premiums in front of companies that no longer have their products regulated by Uncle Sam and can offer you what you want. You only want catastrophic coverage? A company will offer it. Don't want to pay for maternity benefits because you are 1) a man, 2) past menopause, 3) single? Find a company that doesn't make you buy it.
How would you choose a doctor? Surely you wouldn't go to whoever posts a cardboard sign on their garage offering "Appendectomies: 1/2 off on Tuesdays!" You would select someone who was educated at a qualified medical school, and has experience in your field.
How would you choose a hospital? You would see which one offers the best stay for the price. Maybe for you, that means best nursing staff, most experienced doctors, or best food. The point is you would be able to choose.
To rephrase Walter William's challenge "Government influence can only eliminate choices in our healthcare industry by making choices for us as to what is or is not allowed."