Government spending

Should the government make all medical services free for the people?

(For) Universal Access to Healthcare: One of the primary reasons to make all medical services free is
to ensure universal access to healthcare. When medical services are provided free of charge, it
eliminates financial barriers that might prevent individuals from seeking necessary medical attention.
This can lead to early detection and treatment of illnesses, reducing the overall burden of disease and
potentially saving lives. By guaranteeing access to healthcare for everyone, regardless of their financial
status, societies can work towards achieving better public health outcomes and promoting overall well-
being.

Reducing Inequalities: Providing free medical services can help reduce socioeconomic inequalities in
healthcare. In many societies, those with lower incomes or limited access to insurance often face
difficulties affording medical care, leading to delayed or inadequate treatment. This can exacerbate
health disparities and result in poorer health outcomes for marginalized populations. By making
medical services free, governments can work towards leveling the playing field and ensuring that
everyone has an equal opportunity to receive the care they need, irrespective of their economic
background.

(Against) Financial Sustainability:

free healthcare services = healthcare services without cost = cost-free healthcare services

One compelling reason against the idea of providing free medical services is it will put a heavy
financial burden on the government budget. Obviously, establishing and maintaining medical facilities,
along with purchasing advanced equipment and covering operational expenses and staff salaries, would
require sustainable investments from the state budget. If a country adopted free healthcare, the surge in
public expenditure could detrimentally impact the allocation of resources to other vital fields such as
education and environmental protection. Therefore, improper funding allocation could lead to budget
deficits and potentially compromise the availability and quality of healthcare services in the long run.

Potential overutilization

Another major drawback when medical services are provided completely free is the high risk of
overutilization among individuals. Evidently, implementing medical services without cost may lead to a
surge in unnecessary medical visits. For example, citizens are more likely to seek medical attention
unnecessarily or for minor issues that could be managed without professional intervention, which can
overwhelm medical facilities, lengthen waiting times for critical cases and place an undue burden on
healthcare professionals. In addition, overdependence on free healthcare systems can put intense
pressure on the system’s capacity, preventing those in genuine need of urgent medical attention from
receiving timely care. This situation could minimize the effectiveness of treatments and patients' overall
health.

Should the government make all education systems from primary to university free to the
people?

(For) Promoting Equal Educational Opportunities: Making education free at all levels helps
promote equal access to education, regardless of an individual's socioeconomic background. Education
is a fundamental human right, and providing it free of charge ensures that everyone, regardless of their
financial circumstances, has the opportunity to access quality education. This can help break the cycle
of generational poverty, reduce inequalities, and ensure that all citizens have the chance to reach their
full potential. When education is accessible to everyone, it contributes to a more inclusive and equitable
society.

Creating a Well-Educated and Highly-Skilled Workforce: Free education systems from primary to
university can lead to the creation of a highly-skilled and educated workforce. This, in turn, benefits the
nation's economy and overall development. A well-educated population is more likely to contribute to
research, innovation, and technological advancement. It equips individuals with the knowledge and
skills needed for various professions, improving employability and allowing for more diversified career
opportunities. Such a workforce can attract investment, foster entrepreneurship, and enhance a
country's competitiveness in the global economy.

(Against) Financial Burden: Providing free education at all levels can place a substantial financial
burden on the government. Funding education involves costs such as building and maintaining schools
and universities, paying teacher salaries, acquiring educational materials and resources, and investing in
technology. Implementing such a policy without proper funding mechanisms in place could lead to
budget deficits and strain public finances. It's important for governments to carefully balance the desire
to provide affordable education with the need to maintain fiscal responsibility and allocate resources
efficiently across other sectors and services.

Lack of Accountability Among Students: When education is provided for free, there's a concern that
some students might not value it as much as they would if they had a financial stake in their education.
Students might be less motivated to engage actively in their studies and might not take their academic
responsibilities as seriously. This lack of accountability could lead to lower educational outcomes,
reduced effort in assignments and exams, and decreased overall dedication to learning. Personal
investment, whether financial or through scholarships and grants, can help foster a sense of ownership
and responsibility for one's education.