Almost overnight, healthcare has become a security issue. The news from London and Glasgow brings a striking reminder that Al Qaeda is willing to exploit any national weakness.In the case of the British, it's an ongoing physician shortage brought on by the inherent shortcomings of their government-run health care system. The shortage allowed Al Qaeda operatives to legally enter the country and quickly become trusted members of its National Health Service.
Foreign doctors are given top priority and almost immediate entrance into Great Britain. In fact, they make up nearly 40% of all British doctors. In the aftermath of the foiled suicide bomber plots, the British must address this glaring threat to their national security.
Canadians face a similar dilemma. In both Canada and Great Britain, the provision of free medical care through a government-based system has created a patient demand that exceeds the health care supply. It is not too much of a stretch to say that this domestic challenge will make countries more vulnerable in a homeland security sense...
Read the rest of this probing Ken Blackwell op-ed in yesterday's New York Sun. It's right here.
