In some ways the USA is behind third world nations

[n2doc]

15 low-income patients get free surgeries
Kaiser Permanente in Baldwin Park hosts a 'community surgery day,' in which physicians, nurses and other medical staff volunteer their time to perform procedures.




Maria Torres, 70, awaits cataract surgery. Kaiser Permanente in Baldwin Park worked with East Valley Community Health Center in West Covina to set up the event. (Irfan Khan, Los Angeles Times / October 1, 2010)

It started a year ago, Rechilda Zapanta said. Images appeared blurry; the glare of lights made her squint; the needle she had threaded so often with ease was nearly impossible to see. Over time, the cataract in her left eye grew more troublesome, and Zapanta was forced to leave her job as a seamstress in a dress shop.

Without medical insurance, Zapanta said, the surgery she required was out of her reach. But last week, the 74-year-old Azusa resident received surprising news: She could have the cataract removed — for free.

more

http://www.latimes.com/la-me-free-surgery-20101003,0,7273048.story

We are fucking barbaric. It takes doctors volunteering in order for a handful of poor folks to get needed medical care. Fuck the insurance-HMO system in this country.

[stray cat]

1. Try being poor in a third world country

[n2doc]

2. I've been in the backwoods of Peru

Far less money than the USA. These people would have no trouble getting surgery there.

Have you ever been out of your basement?

[depakid]

4. NGO's have to go to many parts of America these days to provide basic care

See e.g.

Medical Teams International based in Tigard, Oregon: http://www.medicalteams.org/sf/our_work/what_we_do/dental_program.aspx#md

[glowing]

3. Medicare wouldn't cover the expenses. I notice she is 70.