I could go as far as saying that health care in this country is not unlike politics - that is, as far as opinions and general bashing goes. Most people have much to say about our current political and economic situation in Canada. Although they may not be as vocal, many people have opinions about Canada’s health care system. They usually just make their views known privately.

If you consider all the persons employed within the Canadian health care system you will begin to realize how deep the vein runs: hundreds of thousands and upwards into the millions of people are affected or directly related to this field for their main source of income.

Hundreds of billions of dollars change hands annually as a direct result of health care in this country, and the best part is that it remains virtually unaffected by any economic slow down, whether real or perceived. I am not just talking about the standard medical system, I am also considering the alternative health care system in this mix. When I say it remains virtually unaffected by economy, I mean the population still gets sick, and, in fact, illnesses may be on the rise due to stress.

Regardless of what opinion we hold about the health care “system” in this country, expressed or unexpressed, there are many things to take into account. The health care we receive is not all about economy and money, it is about people. Moreover, it is about the dedication of individuals working every day to care for others in spite of job cuts and so on.

Even if as individuals we do not agree with how the system is run, or how the conventional system would rather see 'big pharma' run the show, we need to understand that the individuals working in this system every day do it with compassion.

I had the opportunity to overhear some conversations the other day I could not help it, as they were not trying to be very private. The total disrespect these two people had when talking about employees of the health care system was as derogatory as you could get. I just thought it would be nice if people understood that it is not the individuals that work at any particular facility that are the problem, it is the health care system in general.

Individual employees are not to blame for pushing pills and prescribing unnecessary treatments. Individual employees are not to blame for following orders of their employer they are just trying to make a living like any other person in this country.

Every system has its place, whether it is alternative medicine such as homeopathy or naturopathy, and so on, or the standard system. Believe it or not, the standard system also has its place. Who are the dedicated individuals caring for the critically sick or aged people every single day and working with what they are given to work with? Some personalities do conflict, but that is minor compared to what these people do everyday.

I have at times been very vocal in my stand against the standard system however, I do honour the individuals who work everyday to make someone else’s life more comfortable despite less-than-perfect conditions.

Alternative medicine has its place in critical treatment as well. However, in most cases alternative medicine does not have, at least in this country, the opportunity to have hospitals and centres where aged and critically ill patients receive help.

I just cannot wait for the day when persons of all health systems can get along despite their differences. Moreover, I cannot wait for the day when people, like the two gentlemen I overheard the other day, will realize they are talking about another human being that has very real feelings and is doing the best they can with what they have.