I don't know what this retirement pundit is smoking

[Lilith7]

Thank Helen Clark for the privatisation of healthcare. The introduction of the Alternative Provider of Medical Services (APMS) contract in 2004 ushered in the possibility of GP services being run by private companies rather than GP partnerships or sole traders. Where I live an organization called Green Cross controls the surgery and charges patients megabucks. It cost me $120 for a 5 minute medical to renew my driving licence. Could I read the eye chart, then count the number of fingers held up by the doctor with one of my eyes shut.

Successive govts,whether left or right, have ensured that we now live in a Neo Liberal country. There was zero consultation as to whether or not voters wanted Neo liberalism; it was imposed without even public discussion.

Both private & Govt healthcare do not provide choice, except fot those wealthy enough to have a choice.

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What is 'dire poverty'? For some it might be living on a benefit in an overpriced rental.

Thousands live like that now. For them it is simply reality. For their landlord though, dire poverty might mean something very different.

Indeed; & you have to wonder how many people are ill but unable to afford adequate medical care, how many of them may die earlier than they would have if they'd been able to afford that.

It was not always like this, as our generation knows very well...