No country for old men?

[NitNoi]

I am shocked that citizens in first world countries can't quickly see a GP. The Australian Medicare system does seem like a Utopia by comparison. Sure, elective surgery like hip replacements will see you on a waiting list but the wait for a GP consultation in Sydney will be less than an hour - and many practices "bulk bill" so there is no charge.

Here in the Philippines, I live in a provincial town. I know several people who have died because they (and their family) can't afford dialysis. I would be surprised if this is common in the US or other countries that are being denigrated here.