Many countries around the globe have adopted universal health care as a basic necessity. In fact, the most advanced industrialized countries have universal health care. It is not free by any stretch of the imagination nor is the government dictating doctors how to do their job. It is a taxpayer-funded and publicly managed health care system. This switches the relationship between doctor and patient where it is predicated on a patient’s medical need as opposed to the ability to pay. Countries with universal health care include Canada, the United Kingdom, Austria, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Ireland, and Portugal. And while politicians around the world argue that it is not the government’s responsibility to ensure their people have access to doctors and procedures, there are real-life stories of people with medical conditions who may die if they can’t afford health care.His daughter, Zhang Ixinlei, may not have much time left.
Thalassemias is a blood genetic disorder where there is an abnormal production of hemoglobin.
The family has used up all their savings and borrowed money from family and friends.
That may not seem like a lot, except he and his wife earn about $380 per month.
They had initially tried to be a match for their daughter for blood transfusions but neither was a match.
They hoped to use the umbilical cord blood to help Xinlei.
“We have been driven into a corner,” Min admits. “There is no other option.”
“I could only come up with this idea – bringing her to play at this place. This is where she will rest in peace,” Zhang admits. “All I can do is accompanying her every day.”
He takes her there everyday so she grows accustomed to the area.
He says he doesn’t want her to be afraid when she is buried there.
-Urban employee insurance -Urban residence medical scheme -Rural cooperative medical scheme (RCMS)
Nonetheless, the programs, particularly the RCMS has had growing pains since it was implemented in 2002.
“With a lower capacity to pay than urban dwellers, people in rural areas encounter more difficulties in accessing health services; they also have a greater financial burden owing to the out-of-pocket payments that are required at the point of obtaining health services,” the research reads.
Desperate, Zhang takes his daughter to her future gravesite to play and nap.
Approximately 439,000 people suffer from severe thalassemia.
The genetic disorder is evenly present among men and women.
Therefore, the baby the couple are carrying could very well have the same condition as Xlien.
They will need to be up to date with their medical treatment for the rest of their lives.
Bone overgrowth making them brittle, enlarged spleen, and organ failure are risks.
Steps to raise funds for the toddler’s treatment are underway.
It is based out of Australia so it is unclear how close the fundraiser is to the family.
It’s also unknown if the amount will be enough to help Xinlei.
The family doesn’t know at this point if the umbilical cord is a match at this point.
One thing is clear, no family should ever have to be put in this situation.
“All I can do is accompany her every day,” he concluded.
