Sometimes the hardest lot falls to those least able to cope; and that is especially true in the case of parents with sick kids who are living on Struggle Street. How can parents who are financially struggling access health specialists? In the instances when that healing modality is not recognised by government health agencies, and so, not subsidised, it is almost impossible. Desperate parents have been known to sell their possessions in a bid to pay for expensive specialist treatments for their children. Watching your child suffer when you know that there is something you could be doing about it is an unbearable pain.
Many of these parents borrow money from family, when that is an option; but it does, often, put strain on interfamily relationships. Other parents, in this diabolical situation, reach out to friends; and that too can put an end to many friendships. Appeals to church groups, welfare agencies, charities and social groups can raise money in some cases. However, many parents living in relative poverty, do not have the networks and associations necessary to pull together enough energy and material assistance required.
In a number of cases, parents in this situation are reduced to applying for no credit check loans; as a last resort to achieve the outcome they are looking for. Getting that specialist medical care for their sick kids is more important than sound economic management in these dire circumstances. Until government health agencies become less bureaucratic and more able to service the unique needs of parents in this situation, this state of affairs will continue. Is it right, in the twenty first century, that parents who cannot afford specialist medical health are forced to turn to high interest loans containing excessive fees for their short term relief?
Surely, parents in these kinds of heart breaking circumstances should be supported by our elected representatives? Governments are supposed to be reflective of our societal attitudes and beliefs. Do we as a nation support these kinds of heartless, hardline economic decisions in the face of real suffering for children and their families? Health needs to be taken away from the bean counters, and profiteers, and put in the hands of carers and health professionals. There are layers of unnecessary medical procedures being carried out in aged care, when those funds could be directed to children; who hopefully have their whole lives in front of them.