The reality of humans keep changing like tides of time, we live in a world where everyone is trying as much as possible to live another day, even if it means holding unto a branch as long as its keeps the train moving. Whatever it takes, survival must come first before anything else but then despite the nightmare of the present economy situation some things are of almost importance in order to ensure healthy living which involves a routine check up in the hospital to figure out any form of disease that might be lurking around our body that is not visible to the naked eyes, the human body is a delicate being, it needs to be monitored from time to time to avoid unnecessary breakdown.
Having to visit a clinic or hospital for a check is definitely not something people should shy away from, it is something tantamount to an unhealthy living, as we are all aware that health is wealth. But then we find ourselves in an irregular situation where by not everyone can afford some life essentials like medical checkup especially in a developing country like ours where nothing is free, even the few things that is said to be free is either not adequate or out of reach. Despite this harsh reality of our country and our existence we keep our chins up and hope for a better tomorrow even if it means lacking healthy living. Most people don't really mind, the moment they can't afford something they chose to live without it.
That is the reality of medical checkup in my country, you might say the reason why people don't go for medical checkup as much as they should is due to lack of health education or illiteracy but there are other things to consider, what is the economy situation in the country? This so called medical checkup that seems to be one of the few ways to ensure an healthy living, is it free? I wouldn't lie, I can barely remember the last time I went to an hospital for a full body check up or else my body feels like it is going to break down completely I'm definitely not going. Not because I don't know my way to an hospital or I'm ignorance of its importance but I live in a country where medical checkup cost a fortune, well depending on the area you are living. I purchase drugs when I notice signs of a particular illness and immediately I feel it is out of my control I seek expert opinion, like going for a check up but I have never been consistent about it.
It has never been an issue since it is not an offence but having to imagine the government making medical checkup compulsory feels like a joke. At first people would say something like it is for the benefits of the citizens. Which citizens are you referring to? Is it those who can barely afford daily three square meal, the ones who could barely afford to keep a roof over their heads. I mean you might think just one medical check up in a year is not that much of a big deal but when you think if it, does our government have the capability to ensure compulsory medical checkup remains a pleasurable experience for the citizens. I'm not undermining the importance of medical check up but forcing everyone to get it done despite being aware there is no adequate facilities to carry out the exercise is definitely unfair.
This would only make the wealthy want to invest more in providing medical services being aware of the fact that the citizens will have no choice but to turn to private organisations for their check up since the government own health cares don't have enough facilities to accommodate everyone, The private sector being aware of the consequences of not getting the medical checkup done, since it translates to jail time for the people, the cost of medical check up might skyrocket. Even as at now people still find it difficult to go for medical checkup, now imagine if it becomes more expensive, what will be the fate of an average citizen?
This kind of policy can only be possible in a country where the government have made the provisions for the citizens to enjoy adequate free health care services, giving the citizens no reason not to go for it, then if the government decides to implement a jail time for anyone who refuses to go for a checkup there would be no excuse but if that is not the case, it will just turn out to be another means of exploiting the citizens and filling up our prisons with average citizens whose only crime is just being poor.
This write-up was inspired by weekly featured content titled "Compulsory checkup" in hive learners community.
Cover image - 𝖣𝖾𝗌𝗂𝗀𝗇𝖾𝖽 𝗎𝗌𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝖼𝖺𝗇𝗏𝖺
Image 1 - Source
Image 2 - Source
