Britons defend their national health system

During the ongoing debate about health care reform in the U.S., the British national health system is often held up as an example of a government-run system gone wrong.

Last month, U.S. Senator Charles Grassley of Iowa, the top-ranking Republican on the Senate Finance Committee, even claimed Ted Kennedy would have been refused treatment for his brain tumor in England because of his age.

The British Health Department immediately issued a statement saying, "That's just wrong. The National Health Service in England provides health services on the basis of clinical need, irrespective of age or ability to pay."

The chairman of the British Medical Association told The Washington Post that he was dismayed by such "jaw-droppingly untruthful attacks."

Even Kate Spall, an English woman used as a poster child by those against a government health option, said she was surprised to be part of an American political campaign. Spall, whose mother died after her cancer treatment was delayed, said, "I still absolutely agree with a universal health-care system, yet as cancer patients, you want to be in America. I guess the devil is in the details."

Her understanding of the complexity of it all seems to be lost in the U.S. debate. Simple slogans and angry shouting have driven out real talk of "the details." Guys like Senator Grassley say outlandish things for political purposes, then keep quiet or make a half-hearted apology when proved wrong. By then, the damage is done.

Last week, London's Daily Mail – known for its conservative politics – reported on a poll of what government services Britons would cut in their budget crisis. They were willing to end assorted tax breaks and credits, and even cut back on police and courts, but they opposed cutting the national health system and state pensions, their version of Social Security. Turns out the British population isn't so fed up with their system at all.

The Daily Mail also reported that the National Health System is taking steps to stop "health tourism." Seems that thousands of people, some dying from cancer or AIDS, fly to London and check into British hospitals for free care. Hospitals are starting to ask for payment upfront from non-citizens.

So, don't misinterpet criticism of the health care systems in England, Canada or other countries. Just because people want better care from their national systems doesn't mean they want to give up on them.