I must admit that I was surprised by a few things when we were traveling throughout the EU. The pharmacist has a lot of latitude! You don't need to see a doctor for the general and common stuff. I have also seen many who complain about how long it takes to get appointments and tests. I have also heard from very healthy people how mad they are at all those unhealthy people who they have to pay for. Sorta like 'if they just ate kale we wouldn't have sick people!' 😖 like we jumped up and down and said oh goody, I want some Parkinson's please!!
While I agree there are great differences between the US and the EU, I do have a prescription that is VERY EXPENSIVE for my seizures and I cannot take generics of many of my drugs. This drug company has a program for many of the drug they make! I was very surprised that I even qualified. They have even sent them FedEx when I messed up on my dates! It has saved me many 0000s. I would have had to sell my house by now without them.
I do have a boat load of gripes on regulations and other issues 😒 but I'm getting writers cramps already 😁

The NHS is a wonderful idea, and yes, absolutely it is enforced altruism...the well pay for the sick. I paid in when I was well quite happily.
It's the implementation that lacks. I too have a list, but also find in my "off" time that typing on a tiny phone keyboard is a chore...

Sad to say Nigel but compared to the US health system, yours deserves a medal of honor. I do understand your frustration but you probably know US has the paperwork issues as well as blatant price gouging. I hope your recycling process compliments the outrageous paper waste. It would ne nice if at least 1 process works.
Maria

The evidence ...