Is healthcare a right or a privilege?

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NamerOfStars · Accepted Answer

The other day, I discovered that there's an operational plasma donation center within walking distance of me. Eager to have reliable money coming in again (it ain't much, but it's SOMETHING), I went in- and was sent away because I needed "my doctor" to fill out some forms explaining how my sleep apnea is under control. Sleep apnea, even central sleep apnea (the kind I have, which is much nastier than the far more common obstructive version), is completely irrelevant to what happens to you while you're awake- assuming it's being treated, like mine is. And you can't fall asleep while giving plasma; if you do, they're within their rights to kick you out.

However, plasma donors are pretty much the lowest rung of society that can still keep a roof over its head (both the local one and the ones I donated at before have mandatory address-verification processes in place now specifically to keep homeless people out; this was NOT the case before), and as I explained to the nurse once I could finally stop laughing, the only people of the hundred-odd in the building who had doctors were her and her co-workers. Medical care is for rich people; plasma donors are anything but.

Demonstrably, health care is a privilege. Should it be a right? Well, maybe- but before all the self-righteous Europeans start deriding American healthcare, I'd like you to bear in mind that the whole reason my sleep apnea situation is even an issue is that Philips, the last of the European medical giants, had to issue a class one recall of nearly ALL its CPAP machines and respirators, since the noise-canceling foam it uses breaks down, and both the gas and the particulates released are carcinogenic. This recall was announced in May of 2021, and I STILL haven't received my replacement- the initial guidance was to stop using it, and with my AHI as high as it is, I'd've been dead a few months in if I'd followed it.

By contrast, when ResMed, an American manufacturer, noticed what was probably the same problem a few years earlier, they quietly fixed it and had their unofficial recall done in less than three months.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

From a legal standpoint, in some countries, healthcare may be considered a right that is guaranteed by law, while in other countries it may be considered a privilege that is earned through employment or financial means.

However, from a moral standpoint, many people believe that access to healthcare is a fundamental right that should be available to all individuals, regardless of their financial or social status. This view is based on the belief that healthcare is a basic human need, and that everyone should have the opportunity to receive the care they need to live a healthy and fulfilling life.

There are many different opinions on this issue, and it's important to have open and honest conversations about the best ways to ensure that everyone has access to the healthcare they need.

welcomemen · Accepted Answer

To the people who live in very poor countries it’s probably a privilege to them

pewter_moon · Accepted Answer

As long as the rich run the system it’s an irrelevant question unfortunately.

WindAtMyBack · Answer

I'd say you have a right to health care. But people often think a right means that someone else has to pay for it.

Freedom of speech is a right. But nobody is obligated to supply your soapbox.
Freedom of the press is a right. But nobody is obligated to buy you a printing press.
Freedom of religion is a right. But nobody is obligated to buy a church for you.

You also have a right to health care. But nobody is obligated to pay for that either.

Anyone who thinks it should be "free" doesn't believe in the rights of others. They believe in slavery.

Anonymous · Answer

If it isn't innate, it isn't a “fundamental right.” Technically, however, health care is a human right as defined by the U. N.'s Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The problem, as with most government documents is interpretation. Free access to healthcare is a fundamental human right

jshm2 · Answer

Neither. It's a business, and like any other business it's subject to laws and rules.

Anonymous · Answer

Privilege. Doctors and nurses are professionals and deserve to get reimbursed for their work. If it is a right then they have to work whether you pay them or not. If you don't pay them then it is a form of slavery.

exitseven · Answer

Healthcare is a right as long as you have insurance or cash.

Blackcupcake · Answer

it should be a right but unfortunately it is a privilege

Nikki1989 · Answer

Healthcare should be a basic right for all citizens.

KostasKouvalis · Answer

Everything is a privilege. Our only rights are "life", "liberty" and "pursuit of happiness"

gorydetails · Answer

Nothing that requires the labor of another person is a right.

msc545 · Answer

Healthcare is a human right along with things like food, water and shelter.

BarryLiverstone · Answer

To get good care you gotta pay

DirtyMop · Answer

It should be a right

riverrat3 · Answer

In most civilized countries it is a right

4ngelic · Answer

a right

In_Trance · Answer

A privilege

Anonymous · Answer

Privilege.

Anonymous · Answer

A right...

Is healthcare a right or a privilege?

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