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https://theconversation.com/the-real-cost-of-new-zealands-two-tier-health-system-why-going-private-doesnt-relieve-pressure-on-public-hospitals-206491>
"Ethicists argue that healthcare is special. Unlike other consumer goods, its
availability and accessibility should be based on need rather than ability to
pay.
In New Zealand, however, our tolerance of a two-tier health system – in which
some services are only available for a price – suggests a degree of moral
ambivalence.
Take, for instance, the recent Health and Disability Commissioner report
detailing inadequacies in cancer treatment and management in southern parts of
New Zealand. Alongside cases of patients seeking urgent cancer treatment in the
private sector, it raises questions of justice about our two-tier health
system.
Many seem to accept the argument that a two-tier public-private health system
is not morally problematic, given most essential health services remain free to
all. Some might go further and argue justice demands a two-tier system because
health is only one public good the state is obliged to provide. Limiting
non-essential healthcare services ensures it can meet those obligations.
The second private tier protects the liberty of those who want and can afford
to purchase those services, while the first public tier focuses on meeting
everyone’s needs to a sufficient level.
But the justice argument supports this conclusion only if the services and
benefits provided in the first tier meet that threshold of sufficiency. Where
exactly this threshold lies has been the subject of perennial debate."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
