Why is Universal Healthcare Such a Popular Idea in the Civilized World While Other Needs Such as Food and Housing Aren't?

The issue of universal healthcare, universal food, and universal housing is a complex one. While many countries strive to provide these essentials to their citizens, the implementation and distribution of these services often differ significantly. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the widespread acceptance of universal healthcare and the challenges in achieving universal food and housing solutions in the developed world.

Understanding Universal Healthcare

Universal healthcare is a system in which all individuals have access to necessary medical services and treatments, regardless of their financial status. Unlike the universal provisions of food and housing, which are critical daily needs, healthcare funding is more discretionary and varies widely.

Infrastructure and Principles

Almost all developed countries have established the basic principles and systems for universal healthcare. For example, countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, and Sweden have implemented such systems successfully. However, the outcomes and accessibility can still vary significantly depending on the country's social, political, and economic factors. The United States, for instance, remains an outlier, lacking a fully universal healthcare system.

The Role of the United Nations

The United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, introduced in 1948, lays out the fundamental rights for all individuals, including 'food, clothing, housing, and medical care' as part of a standard of living necessary for health and well-being. Article 25 specifically addresses these basic necessities, emphasizing the responsibility of member states to ensure these rights are met.

The Challenges of Providing Universal Food and Housing

While universal healthcare is a structured and mandated system, ensuring universal food and housing poses significant challenges. These challenges are mainly rooted in poverty, inequality, corruption, conflict, and limited technology.

1. Poverty and Inequality

Large portions of the world’s population live in poverty, lacking access to basic necessities like food, water, and shelter. Inequality in resource distribution further exacerbates these issues, as those with wealth often hoard resources at the expense of others.

2. Corruption and Conflict

Corruption and conflict prevent access to vital resources. Corrupt officials often divert public funds meant for basic necessities, while conflicts disrupt the infrastructure needed to distribute these resources.

3. Limited Technology and Knowledge

Many regions lack the technological and knowledge infrastructure needed to produce and distribute sufficient food and clean water. This underscores the complexity of providing basic necessities on a universal scale.

The Distinctions Between Healthcare and Other Needs

While universal food and housing are necessities that individuals rely on daily, healthcare has distinct characteristics that make it more challenging to universalize. Here are some key differences:

1. Volatility and Uncertainty

Unlike food and housing, which are daily necessities, the need for healthcare is unpredictable. People do not know when they will require medical services, and the type of treatment they need can vary widely. This unpredictability makes it difficult for individuals to incentivize themselves to participate in a healthcare system voluntarily.

2. Insurance and Mandates

Healthcare systems operate as insurance, where healthy individuals contribute to a pool that funds the medical services of those who are sick. The system relies on a broad base of contributors, which mandates participation to ensure sustainability.

3. Emergency Situations

Healthcare is delivered in emergencies, where demand and supply dynamics do not apply. People do not have time to compare and shop for the best treatment options; they need immediate medical care. This 'gun to the head' situation makes universal healthcare a necessity, not a choice.

Conclusion

While universal healthcare, food, and housing are all important for ensuring a basic standard of living, the nature of healthcare makes it a more structured and mandated service. The complexity of ensuring universal access to food and housing highlights the significant challenges faced by developing countries and religiously motivated societies.

As the world continues to evolve, the goal of providing universal healthcare, food, and housing remains a critical global challenge. The United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights underscores the importance of these rights, and as nations develop their social, political, and economic systems, they must work towards ensuring all citizens can meet their basic needs.