The last few decades have seen regular calls for “healthcare reform” from all sides of the political spectrum. Indeed Obamacare has been on the US statutes for some time. How is that working out for you by the way?

In the UK this morning healthcare reform (and funding) was back on the political agenda. The BBC’s web site today reports “Leading figures from the health world are calling for a national debate on how the NHS in England is funded. In a letter to The Times, they say challenges from an ageing population mean the system is “creaking at the seams” and cannot continue as it is. Signatories include the heads of the Royal College of Physicians and Royal College of Nursing. The BBC’s health editor says the group feels future options may include higher taxes or charges for some treatment.”

Which means, I suppose , that there is some attempt to solve the whole funding crisis of the UK’s healthcare system. Which, of course, is what Obamacare hopes to achieve.

In the UK as many of our readers know the National Health Service offers its services (which are more or less universal) at no cost when actually receiving treatment. Often referred to as “free at the point of delivery”. I should mention here that the services are not free but are paid for by the UK taxpayer.

But , for some, this model is past its sell by date.

They argue that changes in medical technology and increased life expectancy mean we are going to have to rethink how we find healthcare.

But that does not automatically mean that free at the point of access is a bad idea. I’m really interested in what my readers think. We have set up a poll below to find out what you are consumers of medicine and healthcare think. So it would be really great if you could take part.

I would also be really useful if you could share your thoughts in more detail in the comments section below.

Many thanks in advance.