Increasing Privatization of Public Health Care

As noted, jurisdictions with public health care systems increasingly privatize health care services.139–142,171 They justify privatization as saving taxpayers’ money, but said taxpayers end up paying out of pocket for health care. Right-wing populists have seized upon the anger of the working class to promote privatization that ultimately serve the interests of the corporate and business sector at the expense of workers.172,173 Privatization surged following the COVID-19 pandemic as public health care systems were stretched to meet needs as the virus spread. This is especially the case in liberal welfare states such as Canada and UK, among others.174,175 The adverse effects of privatization on health and health care are well documented.138–141,176–178