Somehow, Irish managed to solve health care
In reply to his Sept. 15 column, I'm sharing my recent experience with Ireland's medical system which is like the proposed single payer medicare-for-all system that Dana Milbank implies is socialist.
After arriving, I still had an earache even after two visits to a pharmacy clinic and a doctor before my trip. So, I went to a clinic in Tullamore which is a town of 18,000 in the Irish midlands. Because I just showed up, I expected to pay more and wait longer.
After 10 minutes, a nurse saw me. She took all of my vitals, listed my medications and even checked my blood sugar. Then, a doctor thoroughly examined my ear and even examined me further.
The doctor reviewed the nurse's information and discussed in detail my medical condition. Both nurse and doctor showed a high degree of professionalism. But, what really struck me was their great care and concern for my well-being.
When asked to do so, I paid a fee of 60 euros, or $75. I spent at least a half hour being examined. I also spent an extra 15 euros, or $19, on a prescription for ear drops. After weeks of pain from it back home, my earache was gone within a week. I received excellent care for less than $100 and went on to have a carefree trip.
When I was only 23, our country put men on the moon in July 1969. Now, I'm almost 72. But, in the decades gone by, our country still hasn't figured out how to provide affordable and quality health care that's equally available to everyone.
Maybe we should invite the Irish to show us how to do it.
Dave Schulz
Hawthorn Woods