A SAD STORY FROM CANADA

This poor b***** didn't even get to see a doctor for 4 months. Now he has to wait for over 2 more years

"A Penticton man has placed a personal ad offering to pay for a better spot on a knee-replacement waiting list. "Anyone who is looking at a knee or hip replacement is looking at two to 2 1/2 years," said notary public Bill Binfet, who needs both knees replaced. Binfet has had knee trouble since last October, when he was referred by his family doctor to orthopedic surgeon Dr. Justin Naude of Penticton. "He never saw me until February," said Binfet, who suffers from arthritis so bad, he now has bone grinding on bone

He said he's 290th on Naude's surgical waiting list. "Medical studies have shown that once the disease has gone beyond six months, the patient's health starts to deteriorate," he said. "You end up on more drugs, more physio, and then you go to a cane, and then you go to a wheelchair and then you go to bed." Binfet will not reveal how much he's willing to offer for a higher place on the waiting list or how many calls he's received as a result of an ad placed in the Penticton Herald. In July, his pain medication dosage was increased. "As things get worse, then I won't be able to work," he said

Binfet said it would cost $45,000 US per knee to have the surgery done in Bellingham, Wash. "I can't afford it," he said. Asked whether he thinks it's ethical to buy a better place on the list, Binfet responded, "If ICBC and the WCB (Workers' Compensation Board) can do it, why can't I?" The Canada Health Act requires there be equitable access to care, said Linda Mueller, public affairs officer with the Ministry of Health Services in Victoria, Tuesday. But under the Canada Health Act, certain organizations are excluded from the requirements of the act, she said. ICBC is not one of them, but the WCB, RCMP and the Canadian Forces are.... "

More here

Without socialized medicine, he would probably have had insurance.... He has been conned.

***************************

For greatest efficiency, lowest cost and maximum choice, ALL hospitals and health insurance schemes should be privately owned and run -- with government-paid vouchers for the very poor and minimal regulation.

***************************