Health care for all?

Question:

Do you think that it is right for those people who have obviously abused their body and health, such as smokers, drug users or alcoholics etc, to receive free health care when their conditions are very often totally preventable and it is their own fault for their ensuing illnesses? It is these illnesses that put a huge strain on the NHS, and the waiting lists are full of these types of people needing treatment, pushing those with unpreventable conditions to be pushed further and further down the line.

Answers:
I know what you mean but I don't think it would be right to ignore their needs even though their condition may be self inflicted by choices they have made (and probably regret). The NHS is there to provide healthcare for all of us that need medical attention and the types of people you have mentioned need treatment too. Do you mean that because there are lots of them they are making the waiting list longer ... because I don't believe they are getting put on the top of the list and pushing other people down the line. I know not everyone accepts treatment, but everyone that needs treatment should be offered it (and in the order of who needs it most urgently).

Other Answers:
They pay their taxes and contributions like the rest so they've paid for it and should receive the same treatment and not pushed down the line.

Of course they should be treated, that's what makes our society civilised.

Who will stand in judgement of these people and effectivly condemn them to death? We should be finding out why they do these things and helping them stop.

We cannot discriminate between people frustrating though it is.What if one of your loved ones had an addiction type self inflicted problem and was refused treatment, you would want them to receive appropriate health care wouldn't you.

I can see the point you are trying to make, but I feel that everyone should have health care. Not all of the sicknesses that they will get will come from their choices in life. And to tell you the truth, I don't think it's fair to scrutinize someone based on bad choices they make. Maybe if they have abusive tendencies toward some of these things and it can be prevented, maybe action should be taken there. But to fully take away something that can save someones life regardless of the reason that caused the illness, is completely wrong and selfish.

morally and ethically i could not refuse to treat anyone in need! - but the sentiment is true - I am a larger person and there is some personal responsibility, but i pay taxes and work in the service and whilst i may feel uncomfortable i have a duty to ensure that treatment is given or a need adressed!

How old are you? As you age, you are apt to develop any kind of medical conditions. Some through your fault and others get handed down yo you. Some skip a generation. If we limit smokers, shouldn't we exclude sun bathers, people who have been diagnosed with a disease. Should we not spend the money
saving premature babies?: Who are you to judge.

regardless of the harm they put on their own bodies, they are entitled to medical care just the like the rest of us. They are tax paying citizens as well. I understand your frustration there, but you have to understand that alcohol and ciggarettes are legal vices. As long as they are out there they are going to do it. I am a nonsmoker, but I am not discriminate against people who smoke. They are people just like me, except they have a vice and I don't... My uncle had lung cancer and never smoked a day in his life.

If you include the above then you should also include people that dont have a good diet, have 5 portions of fruit and veg a day and exercise 30 min 3 times a week as if they dont they are also abusing their body.

With that criteria few would be eligible

I'd rather see my tax dollars go to help an American who made poor choices and abused their health than to illegals who don't work but have 5 kids, are on welfare, abuse the system, don't learn the language, disrespect our community, etc.

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Health care for all?

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