Signs are pointing to a coming physician shortage in America. With the headaches that will bring, universal care should be the last hardship the government hangs around our necks.
The Los Angeles Times reported earlier this week that the “Demand for doctors is accelerating more rapidly than supply.” The results will be and already are in some places frustrating: longer waiting periods to see physicians, particularly specialists; more trips to see a doctor; and decisions by many to simply forgo care.
Sounds a lot like Canada’s nationalized health care system.
Canadian health care, held up by many as the model the U.S. should adopt, is a disaster largely because of the enormous demand it has created. Consequently, Canadians are suffering through a pandemic of poor health care at a time when technology should be helping them live much longer and healthier lives than could have been imagined a generation ago.
North of the border, unreasonably long waiting periods are the cause of much suffering even death. Drugs and modern medical equipment that most Americans take for granted are in short supply. Hospitals are...