Socialized medicine (Not so great)

We have seen all around us the horrible affects of Socialized Medicine here in Belgie.
Socialized medicine means the government runs the whole medical system. And we all know what kind of red tape is involved in getting anything done and done right by the government.
When they call it Medical Practice I think it describes it well, "practice" they just can't get it right.

Adam a friend here has had his foot operated on four different times and they have still not corrected the problem. Another friend Henk was in the hospital with terrific pain for a whole month when they finally told him he had Gall Bladder problems and then took another week to remove it. Our little Whitney who was just baptized had a broken leg and it had to be re-repaired several times before it was good enough to send her on her way. Our Patriarch has had problems with his sight and was finally told that he has cataracts and that it will be at least a one year wait before they will be able to help him. The latest was really tragic. Bro. Boden our Ward Mission Leader was beaten up in the subway about two years and has had back pain all this time. Back surgery has been suggested down the road or perhaps physical therapy. No one thought about checking him out for other problems. Well.... about 2 weeks ago he started turning yellow and after about a week of waiting was finally rushed to the hospital where his liver and kidneys shut down. His funeral is Saturday.

The dental program is no better. I can't begin to tell you how many people are walking around with teeth missing. Got a tooth ache? just pull the tooth, don't worry about saving it. There is really no incentive to do a good job. Wages are paid to the medical profession for time "put in" not how well they do their work

I am so grateful for the medical help we receive back home and even here as we are able to take advantage of military clinics. I will never complain about having to wait for a Doctor again. (At least not too much)