SONGSOPTOK
INTERVIEW WITH LaDEAN BIRKHEAD
HEALTHCARE – A
RIGHT OR A PRIVILEGE?
SONGSOPTOK: Do you consider primary healthcare
to be a fundamental right? Is it deemed as such in the society you live in? Please
explain your answer with a few examples if possible.
LaDEAN BIRKHEAD: I do not like the government
controlling our health care as they then can control our life. Dr Ben Carson
proposed a health savings plan that puts the people in charge of of their
health. Any family member could use if necessary and what is not used could be
passed on to the family when you die. I like freedom for all and would like to
see this plan put into effect.
SONGSOPTOK: What is the
system of healthcare in the country and the society you live in? Is it a just
and equitable system in the sense that all citizens enjoy the same benefits
across economic and social classes?
LaDEAN BIRKHEAD: Americans want everyone to be covered by some form of health
care. The poor have Medicare which covers basic needs. We now have a health
care program that has been put into force by the Obama administration. Some
people like it and others do not. Those who don't feel that it has increased the
cost and has too much control and punishes those who do not sign up for it with
a fine. Freedom loving people do not like to be forced into anything.
SONGSOPTOK: Do you think that free healthcare cannot be a right, but
it can be a privilege and a shared burden of sacrifice for the sake of the
social contract?
LaDEAN BIRKHEAD: I believe that if possible people should provide for themselves.
There are always people who are mentally or physically unable to do that and I
am for that. I do resent lazy people who thinks the world owes them a living. I
do believe we are our brothers keeper and should help those would truly need it.
SONGSOPTOK: What, in your opinion, should be the role of the
government for ensuring equal healthcare to all citizens? What role is played
by the government of the country you live in?
LaDEAN BIRKHEAD: First of all I believe that women should have birth control and information
so they can protect themselves.
SONGSOPTOK: According to the data published by World Health
Organization (WHO), nearly 16 000 children under the age of 5 die every day in
the world (5.9 million in 2015) from infectious, neonatal or nutritional
conditions. Is this a reality in the country you live in? If so, what would
your suggestions of improvement be?
LaDEAN BIRKHEAD: Children born into poverty,
hunger and abuse are unfortunate. They need to be cherished and have the opportunity
to blossom into productive adults.
SONGSOPTOK: “Free access to healthcare is a fundamental human right.
Access to free healthcare is not” – do you agree with this statement? Please
explain your choice.
LaDEAN BIRKHEAD: Everyone in America has access to health care as it should be.
SONGSOPTOK: How important is the role of the private sector for
providing healthcare and related facilities in your country? What it is your
opinion about it?
LaDEAN BIRKHEAD: Many have jobs who have health care as part of their benefits.
Some choose a MD who also does natural healing along with traditional medicine.
This is not covered by insurance.
SONGSOPTOK: Are charitable and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO)
active in the domain of public health? If yes, then in what spheres? Do you
think that the civil society, either independently or through these
organizations, should become the prime actor for ensuring healthcare for all?
LaDEAN BIRKHEAD: St Jude's Hospital is place
that is free to all children who need care. No child is turned away. This
hospital was founded by Danny Thomas, the famous Hollywood personality.
SONGSOPTOK: Do you think that multinational pharmaceutical and
healthcare companies are responsible, to a certain extent, for the widely
variable quality of healthcare in different countries? Can you please
illustrate your reply with some examples?
LaDEAN BIRKHEAD: I believe that people would have better health if they had
better nutrition. I am 81 years old, vegetarian, and take no medications. I am
in good health and believe that packaged food and fast food hurt our health.
God gave us good food and in many cases it should be our preventive medicine.
SONGSOPTOK: Do you think that adopting the Social Security model
implemented in a lot of countries in Europe which ensures primary health
coverage to all citizens and is financed by the totality of the working population
can be relevant and efficient in all countries?
LaDEAN BIRKHEAD: Many people do not trust that
Social Security will last.
LaDEAN BIRKHEAD: A MOTHER AND GRANDMOTHER WHO IS DEVOTED TO HER FAMILY
AND FRIENDS. SHE IS ALSO CONCERNED ABOUT ALL OF HUMANITY. SHE WAS A HOME
ECONOMICS AND ART TEACHER AND CHANGED CAREERS TO WORK AS A PROBATION OFFICER.
SHE HAS MANY STORIES TO TELL ABOUT HER JOURNEY CALLED LIFE. SHE LOVES TO MEET
NEW PEOPLE OF ALL CULTURES AND FIND THEY ADD MUCH TO HER LIFE. SHE IS AN
ARTIST, AN ART TEACHER AND HAS IN MANY LOCAL ART SHOWS. SHE IS ADVENTUROUS AND
LOVE TO TRAVEL. SHE LOVES TO MEET PEOPLE FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD AND FACEBOOK
DOES THAT FOR HER. “LIFE IS GOOD WHEN ONE LOOKS FOR GOOD”.
We sincerely thank you
for your time and hope we shall have your continued support.
Aparajita
Sen
(Editor:
Songsoptok)
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