Patricia Hewitt, the [British] Health Secretary, has given her blessing to the policy of denying operations to smokers until they kick the habit. Endorsing a position adopted by some health trusts, the minister also voiced support for doctors who order patients to lose weight before treatment…. The policies were based on guidelines published by the Government's drug rationing body, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence…. Smokers, however, described the policy as blackmail, pointing out that they pay taxes along with non-smoking citizens. (Telegraph, Monday)
This is where it leads.
FEE Timely Classic
Socialized Medicine: One Size Fits None by Karen Selick