Millions of Americans sit nervously, as the Republicans prepare to vote on their updated proposal to replace Obamacare (the Affordable Care Act), that a survey published by USA Today suggesting only 12% of Americans support the Senate plan is just another indictment of democracy, as the interests of the overwhelming majority is trampled upon, again.
And there are three issues of note to mention:
Firstly, the fundamental issue is not being addressed i.e. why has a fundamental right i.e. basic free access to medical care, become an expensive privilege? Obamacare never addressed this issue and neither did it claim to. It rather simply smoothed over major cracks and gained some political mileage. And it was well known that Obamacare was going to struggle as premiums will increase (by an average of 25% in 2017) and both Insurance companies and a number of US States are withdrawing their participation. As for the Republicans, they are only fast tracking this inevitable outcome for a staggering 22 million people.
Secondly, in an unexpected development, women have vocally hit out against the GOP’s 13-man working group that crafted the Senate bill, with remarks such as, “blatantly partisan attack on women’s health” and, “It’s outrageous that the future of healthcare for millions of women lies in the hands of 13 men.”
Well it seems the Americans are prepared to put their entire future and that of the world to one man or woman (and the business interests that dictate domestic and foreign policy), which they do every 4 years!
The fair and valid point is why should man or a woman or a committee of men or women dictate each other’s rights and needs; even if it was a mixed committee of men and women – since the foundation is the same i.e. human’s with all their prejudices and limitations are made sovereign – and the result is the misery that secular capitalism metes out to society.
Thirdly, there is a clear alternative for people to consider, which is Islam. Islam enshrines access to healthcare as a basic right. Its funding is managed by the State and it is not driven or funded by corporate interests; and even if ever remotely this was attempted it would fail since sovereignty does not belong to men, women nor a combination. Rather sovereignty belongs to Allah SWT and the rules related to managing societal matters and rights are already determined. Additionally, the financial burden that weigh heavy in most healthcare systems are driven by social diseases that are rife in western societies e.g. alcohol related, drugs related, diseases borne from illicit relationships – all which are prohibited in Islam; and problems associated with depression, cosmetic pressures (anorexia), obesity etc… all which Islam tackles with its noble and active values that permeate throughout society.
Therefore, the Islamic solution for healthcare is that it is a right; it is preventative at source thereby reduces the financial burden on the state; yet with the most advanced treatment available.
And yes, this needs to be practically demonstrated, which Muslims globally aspire to do by working to establish the Khilafah, upon the Prophetic method.
