Movie Review: SiCKO

This is one movie you should really check out. I had been seeing some previews and reviews; but, I was never that interested in watching it. So, what better to do on a lazy Sunday then checked it out. I’m glad I did. It was a well done documentary on the American health care system. It went over the problems from the everyday person’s point of view, which I think most of us already know of; but, it also did some comparisons to Canada, Great Britain, France, and Cuba. It provided some information on how the system came about and where it stands right now.

My favorite parts involved the comparisons. The Canadian comparison involved interviewing people traveling to the United States and purchasing insurance, just for a day trip. He also interviewed people in a waiting room, asking them how much it would cost and how long they had to wait. Most estimates sounded very quick, but the more I think about it now, anytime I have gone to the hospital, I have seen someone within half an hour. I know we all love to complain, but at the end of the day we do have it good here. I can still remember working part time in school when I fell and broke my elbow. If we had been in the United States, sometime like that could have put my family into debt, something that we all just take for granted. We love to complain about 14% HST, but nobody would be willing to give that up for outrageous medial costs!

I found the other comparisons to Great Britain and France very interesting. They all have different systems, but the core is that we all contribute to ensure that the people who need help get it. I think that is the real message. That is the message that needs to be drilled into Americans who think that they can do it alone, because when it comes down to it, you need all the help you can get, and nobody will be there to help you then!

The Cuban trip was really great to see. Michael Moore took a boatload of 9/11 survivors to Guantanamo Bay where he asked for them to get the same level of health care that the terrorists receive (which is far better then anything I can ever imagine getting myself!). Needless to say, they were ignored. So what was left to do but take them to the hospital in Havana. In Havana, they received the care they needed, similar to any other Cuban. I found it really interesting when some locals told them where the hospital and pharmacy was located, a block away. They also said there are so many that you never have to go far. I liked that because I know that is true. When I worked in Cienfuegos, I had to walk by a hospital everyday. There was also another one near the University in the other direction. That’s closer then the hospital where I live now!

I think you should watch this movie if you get a chance, it really got me thinking about our system and ways to improve it. Nothing is perfect, but I would still have to say I am pretty happy with what we have right now!