麻豆社

In Australia, as in many other parts of the world, Covid-19 is putting the health care systems under strain. Now, the country's most populous state, New South Wales, has just recorded a new daily record for infections, and is considering charging unvaccinated people for hospital costs. This has led to widespread criticism.

The 麻豆社's Phil Mercer explains that, according to some politicians, unvaccinated people being treated for Covid-19 in public hospitals have been "irresponsible" and have imposed a "financial burden" on tax payers, and that charging specific patients would be a departure from Australia's system of universal health care. Doctors believe it would represent a loss of compassion and humanity, and is unethical, and could harm disadvantaged communities.

Photo: Health care worker in a hospital in Sydney, NSW, Australia Credit: Getty Images