« Previous Entry | MAIN | Next Entry »
February 06, 2004
Two points from the UK,
Nigel is right that "National Insurance" (tax) is around 8% (actually slightly more) but this is not hypothecated to the Health Service. UK governments do not use tax in this way, but pool all tax income and then divide it up between the various "needs", so it is not really possible to say how much of each revenue source goes to each service.
My second point is that, although the UK health service has its failings, it is at least free at the point of delivery, and this I think is a real plus point. I like the idea that health provision is the responsibility of the community and that the whole community pays for this, and then has use of it when the need arises. I think this is far better than a system where the burden varies according to the cards dealt to you by fate, regarding health. I have been fortunate (so far) in my life with very little need of the health services. I havn't even seen a doctor in the last 15 years. But I do not begrudge taxes that I pay going to provide a system to benefit others. My time of need will come, no doubt!
This is far from saying that I think all taxes are well spent! I certainly do not think that! And there are certainly problems around the edges with who benefits by illicit or unfair means. And I am also sure there are improvements to be made.
The problem of course that all health services face, however funded, is that virtually every medical advance opens up new possibilities for treatment, and usually this means more expenditure. The more sophisticated treatments available, the greater the cost. But who would say that medicine should not advance?
Guy
"Guy Weller" < Guy.Weller@... > 29139
Posted on February 6, 2004 08:04 PM
Posted to category(s) Ignition System | International | Tuning
