Health care contrasted

Peter Reed’s experience with British health care (BDN letter, Jan. 30) is unfortunate, but hardly constitutes an indictment of the entire system. Reed is still much better off than the man from New York who had the wrong leg amputated or the person who was killed by an intravenous overdose.

I came from Wales 37 years ago and have a completely different viewpoint. About 10 years ago my grandfather, age 86, had a stroke that cost him the use of his legs. After a brief stay in the hospital, he was brought home, where he wished to be. From that point on, the National Health provided two professionals a day to help my grandmother with the responsibilities. All of the prescription drugs were delivered to her house free of charge. My grandfather died peacefully at age 92, having spent his last years at home with the woman he loved.

Every month while he was at home, the government sent my grandmother a check because my grandfather essentially freed up a hospital bed. However, private insurance plans and private hospitals are also available, so the wealthy have the same opportunities there as they do here.

There are so many uninsured and untreated people who must choose between drugs and food. Our system is immoral and unjust, which is why we rate 38th in the world with the World Health Organization.

Michael P. Warr

Stonington