To Our Healthcare??

Last week, I saw Micheal Moore's latest movie, "Sicko." This is a definite must for any person who needs to be further disgusted by the state of oppression and neglect, that the citizens of the USA are exposed too. I cryed and cryed and cryed.

Fast forward to this week. My strong-spirited, master-minded matriarch grandmother, is in the hospital. She is now 93 years old. Amazing. Through all her health problems and just the general deterioration of her body, she manages to always fight back.

So she was rushed to a hospital in Mississauga, where she is now going to be for the next couple days. Health is a very delicate and saddening reality. You either possess good health, or bad. However, as we all know, with age our bodies get tired. Though, I think my grandma it a prime example of a testament to the power of spirit. I know when she is ready, she will go. All I wish for her, is complete peace and no more suffering.

So when I was thinking about what I would write about today, it seemed to come to me when I thought about my expereinces the past couple of days.

Is the healthcare system in Canada as remarkable as Micheal Moore makes it seem in "Sicko?" Yes, I do agree that healthcare is a fundamental right to every individual. Health, shelter, water, food, these are things that humans can provide for one-another and should, without hesitation.

My problem with the Canadian health care system is not targeted at the service that our good doctors and nurses provide. I completely admire their attention, strength and ability to survive surrounded by such sorrow. My problem is that Ontario (I can not comment on other provinces, as I am not aware), lacks the facilities to accommodate their patients.

I recall when my father had a heart-attack, seeing him laying in a stretcher in the hallway of the emergency room for hours, before they could move him to a room. A similar situation has unfolded with my grandmother. It has been 2 days. She is still waiting for a room. Silence and peace is the least we could give her in a environment as sterile as a hospital.

The problem lays with the government, not the medical workers. There is obviously not enough funding being poured into the healthcare system. If we claim to be enlightened as examples of admirable healthcare, we must show them that we are solid in practitioners and in facilities.

I am thankful that my family and friends have always been cared for when they are ill. I now ask, that if poverish countries like Cuba, manage to respectfully accommodate their patients, why can't we?

They have money to live in big houses and aid in wars over-seas. But we must ask of our governments, it a time of industrialization and consumerism....is our healthcare a commodity? When you are sold out of rental space, you end up in the hall? Cold white walls. A curtain you pull shut. How degrading.

It is time for a change. To our health.