THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, August 19, 1994 TAG: 9408190017
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A20 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 40 lines
Regarding ``You won't like universal health care'' (Another View, Aug. 12):
The conditions, service and manners in Spain are not the results of universal health care but are rooted in the way of life for many European countries.
We have utilized military medical service, facilities and personnel in Europe for seven years (1945-1953), as well as the universal-health-care facilities in England. No complaints.
So the midwife who brought our first son into the world rode in on a a bike. So what? I have seen many people who got false teeth, glasses and special care because of universal health care.
NAVCARE and Portsmouth Naval Hospital personnel and facilities saved my life. I have not utilized any non-military medical services available and affordable by me for 30 years, until this year.
We don't go to the hospital or use other medical facilities to socialize. We don't care what the doctor's name is.
Universal health care is already here in one form or another, but mandatory health care isn't. That's what is needed for those who cannot afford medical care under the existing system.
If we can provide medical care for those on death row, as well as other prisoners, then we can and should do as much, free of charge or on credit, for those more deserving of it.
Military health care is universal, not only in the Continental United States but worldwide.
LEW OTTAVI
Virginia Beach, Aug. 12, 1994 by CNB