Odd Imbalances

The New York Times has a sad (but somewhat universal) story about an American family about to go bankrupt because of medical costs they can't afford.

Meanwhile, in an attempt to draw medical tourists (medical tourism is a legitimate industry, with cosmetic procedures leading the pack) several leading Indian hospitals are considering a somewhat macabre proposal to offer one free medical procedure of equal or lesser value to tourists who come to India for an operation or treatment.

Like in everything, there are wide disparities in the health care available in India.

I remember reading once that there is enough money in the world for everyone to be able to afford two cars and a house (this seems suspect but also strangely believable) but there are also probably enough medical resources in the world to ensure that those who have major diseases get adequate treatment. The problem is one of inefficient allotment (although people might quibble with me here about the definition of efficiency.)

I'm not trying to suggest that cash-strapped American families can afford the many costs of international health care, or that very sick people are in any condition to travel. Just an observation on how resources are distributed.