IN previous articles, I have extensively addressed the shortage of medical services in our country. I have pointed out that the majority of citizens are unable to seek treatment in private hospitals in the Kingdom because of their high charges and that, in more developed countries, a comprehensive medical insurance system provides coverage to every citizen. Many readers commented on what I wrote but they were unanimous that the provision of medical insurance alone was not the solution. Readers spoke about their bitter experiences with insurance companies that do not honor their commitments toward policyholders. It has become apparent that the problem is not in the concept of medical insurance itself but in insurance companies. This is not a grave or insoluble problem. It can easily be solved if the government steps in to establish a medical insurance company with a large amount of capital, an institution in which citizens can also invest in. This step should be preceded by the issuance of a system under which this company and the existing and future ones should operate. Insurance should cover both treatment and medicines. The government should issue insurance policies to its employees, low-income citizens, children and the elderly. The private sector should also provide medical insurance to its employees. We should follow the achievements of other countries like Sweden where every citizen is covered by medical insurance. Citizens there do not have to worry about their health or that of their dependents. Can we be like them?
