The Council replies: Letters to the editor

Wrong prescription

Guy Caron
National Post
July 7, 2007
Re: Who's The Real Sicko?, David Gratzer, July 6.

David Gratzer's expressed contempt for public health care and non-profit delivery of health services misses the point of Michael Moore's new film, Sicko. Sicko is not about uninsured Americans (even though a movie could certainly be made about them), but rather about those who are insured and are denied health coverage because the industry bows to the profit motive before any humanitarian concern.

Contrary to Dr. Gratzer's assertion, the debate about universal health insurance in the United States is alive and picking up steam in many states. Some have already adopted mandatory health insurance, and the Californian Legislature is debating the adoption of a single-payer public health insurance program.

U.S. policy-makers are waking up to the reality that Canada's public health insurance is less expensive, more comprehensive and more efficient than what their private system can provide. Why Canada should follow Dr. Gratzer's prescription for more privatization is beyond comprehension.

Guy Caron, health care campaigner, Council of Canadians, Ottawa.

For more information about public health care, visit ProfitIsNotTheCure.ca.