In the past I briefly tried to describe Galicia's government-run medical system, including some examples of waiting times for surgical procedures and appointments with specialists. The graphic below, scanned from our regional newspaper, provides two more examples of those delays.

As far as I know, the Spanish system works well enough in cases of life-threatening emergencies. But long waits for non-critical medical services have been well documented in newspapers.

For those Spaniards who don't want to wait, there are private-practice GPs and specialists available. And private medical insurance is available for those who can afford it and who are young enough and healthy enough to qualify. (I don't.)

Fortunately (for me), although I am enrolled in Spain's government-run system my experience with it is limited. But I have had occasion to see a private practice ophthalmologist and a gastroenterologist. In each case I was satisfied with the outcome. (In the latter case, only four days -- not 2½ years -- elapsed between the office visit and an endoscopic exam in a hospital.)

Since Spain's doctors and hospitals are as competent as anywhere else, the problem must boil down to money. The system just can't afford to employ enough doctors and nurses to handle the caseloads promptly.

Back in the USofA
According to the news we get here, the US Congress is close to "reforming" the American healthcare system. Details are sketchy but opponents say the proposed changes will result in higher taxes, rationing of care, long waits or some combination thereof. Good luck sorting it out.