One of the many problems I have with the idea of government-run universal health acre systems is that they further empower the nanny state. Consider the following:
Smokers are to be denied operations {by the UK] Health Service unless they give up cigarettes for at least four weeks beforehand. ... patients' groups argue that the move is about the NHS saving money rather than improving patient care.
Whether it's about paternalism or budgets doesn't really matter, of course. At the end of the day, the result is the same: Greater restrictions on personal choice.
