Socialized Healthcare Board Denies Wheelchair for Amputee; Being Legless Not a Permanent Condition

As socialized health care is implemented across the United States, opponents of the legislation have argued that it will lead to inferior medical care, rationing of services and even death committees that will put the decision of whether someone lives or dies into the hands of government bureaucracy.

In Sweden, the health care system is somewhat similar to what we can expect in the U.S., where medical care is decentralized and almost fully funded by the government. As such, determinations for those requiring medical assistance are made by members of county councils. When Evert Stefansson needed a wheelchair after a double amputation, he learned first hand what it means to take medical care out of the free market and put it into the hands of government.

The man had his legs amputated after a long struggle with diabetes, but despite being unable get about, his application for a power wheelchair has been denied.

“I was bitterly disappointed in the local authorities. I don’t feel I got the support I deserve,” Evert Stefansson told The Local.

–

In order to regain some of his independence, Stefansson applied for a so-called Permobile, a power wheelchair, that he could manoeuvre himself.

“But I had my suspicions right from the start that it wouldn’t be easy, when the woman from the county visited. She sort of hinted that he could have an ordinary electric wheelchair,” Siv Stefansson said.

The electric wheelchair was less desirable as it would still need a carer operating it, and would therefore not allow Stefansson to get about by himself, without the constant help of his wife.

However, the motivation for the county council’s decision was allegedly that it was “uncertain if the impairment was permanent”, reported local media.

Full Article