Should the NHS charge more for Unhealthy People?
Many of us choose between living an unhealthy or healthy lifestyle where many factors take play to our decisions but sometimes it’s just personal choice. But should people who are living these unhealthy lifestyles be penalised by the NHS and force to pay out extra for treatment to solve the problems they caused in the first place?
According to a report, those of us who lead unhealthy lifestyles should be made to pay for our NHS health care. Tory MP and GP mentioned that those who suffer from illnesses such as Diabetes Type 2 should be made to pay for the medication. He continued to say, "If you want to have doughnuts for breakfast, lunch and dinner, fine, but there’s a cost.”
On the same side of the argument, Medical Journalist and Doctor Sarah Brewer said that “Unless an unhealthy diet and lifestyle is penalised in some way no one will change." This was in answer to the questions conducted by the Insurance group ‘Friends Provident’ with the help of Future Foundation surveyed over 1000 people and came to conclude that if people did not chose to better their lifestyle they should be penalised.
However, in respect to these comments and in light of the revolutionary Welfare system that William Beveridge created, should the NHS decide to essentially ‘privatise’ health care for the less able. Or does this give incentive to those who struggle to find motivation to lead a healthy lifestyle which is to be seen and taught to their children?
Former Apprentice contestant Katie Hopkins insists, "Why does our overcrowded NHS continue to indulge our stupidity?" But does this ideal shared by so many take into account that for many lifestyle choices in fact go hand in hand with the type of livelihood the economy has left for us. There needs to be a realisation that for some, living healthy is not viable for what they have access to and so help still needs to be offered. Why make them suffer more by establishing charges for the care they deserve from the welfare system UK is proudly known for?
Dear Readers,
Should bad health be penalised or have the NHS taken the wrong approach to saving money whilst creating a healthier society?
Share your comments below!
Sources:
BBC News: Viewpoint: Katie Hopkins on NHS eating, smoking and drinking costs
Nursing in Practice: NHS "should charge unhealthy patients"
NHS Should Charge For Smoking, Obesity And Alcohol Related Illnesses Says Tory MP
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