Dental pains ...
I consider myself very lucky to live in Australia where I can see a doctor for free and get subsidised medicine. Paying $33.90 for a medicine that would ordinarily cost me $225 a pop is a blessing.
However, a toothache last week brought home a problem with our health system: dentistry.
It is time it was socialised along with medical practitioners.
I went to seven dentists last week and no one would see me unless I paid the full amount for a consultation upfront that day. That's outrageous, and quite frankly, needs to be dealt with by the Government.
I think most Australians would not mind paying a higher medicare levy each tax year to have dentistry included in the system. It would certainly make sure people are cared for health-wise and would contain the outrageous costs associated with a consultation.
The Labor Party is down in the polls at the moment. If they were to announce that dentistry would be socialised after the next election, they would be a winning lead. But, they're too gutless and controlled too much by the factional Right.
Now I know why I lean to the Greens in elections - the Greens have socialised dental care on their election platform.
This year, I will have to fork over thousands of dollars toward having my teeth fixed properly. Do I regret not taking out private health insurance? No. I don't. I believe in socialised medicine, and I believe that a health system based on the have and have-not system of private health insurance is a fundamental breach of social justice and collective responsibility.
/rant.
However, a toothache last week brought home a problem with our health system: dentistry.
It is time it was socialised along with medical practitioners.
I went to seven dentists last week and no one would see me unless I paid the full amount for a consultation upfront that day. That's outrageous, and quite frankly, needs to be dealt with by the Government.
I think most Australians would not mind paying a higher medicare levy each tax year to have dentistry included in the system. It would certainly make sure people are cared for health-wise and would contain the outrageous costs associated with a consultation.
The Labor Party is down in the polls at the moment. If they were to announce that dentistry would be socialised after the next election, they would be a winning lead. But, they're too gutless and controlled too much by the factional Right.
Now I know why I lean to the Greens in elections - the Greens have socialised dental care on their election platform.
This year, I will have to fork over thousands of dollars toward having my teeth fixed properly. Do I regret not taking out private health insurance? No. I don't. I believe in socialised medicine, and I believe that a health system based on the have and have-not system of private health insurance is a fundamental breach of social justice and collective responsibility.
/rant.