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A right to health care

In response to Jack Hamilton’s statement that health care is not a “right,” (Do you really have a ‘right?’ April 17) I would like to point out the Declaration of Independence asserted that life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are rights. Without health care, a patient with a burst appendix will lose his life. Emergency room doctors and hospitals in this country provide care to everyone regardless of their ability to pay because they recognize that right. This is inefficient and costly. We need a new system that will be better for everyone including the wealthy and the poor. We need to fund health care education so that medical school graduates aren’t saddled with debt and can afford to practice in less lucrative positions. This will save money for all of us. Personally, I don’t want to live in a country where people are allowed to die in the streets with illnesses that are treatable. Do you?

MARY HIGLEY CARBONE, M.D.

Silverdale