Education and healthcare play an essential role in a country’s economy and productivity. While many people argue that governments should be responsible for public services such as health and education, others believe that it is individuals’ responsibility to pay their own expenses. In my opinion, although individuals contributions can lead to a sustainable system, governments play a more crucial role to support their population in long run.
One the one hand, people those who believe that governments should be responsible for providing basic healthcare and education services claim that it promotes social mobility and equality. Many individuals come from low-income families and may not afford high cost of tuition fees and long term healthcare facilities. For instance, high earning professionals such as doctors, engineers and public servants can pay cost of their services whereas low skilled workers may struggle to even fulfil their families basic needs. Consequently, healthcare and education will remain concentrated among business owners and rich people. By subsidising these common facilities equally among people governments can promote a more sustainable system which will significantly contribute to a healthy population and modern economy. Therefore, countries will be benefited from educated individuals and healthy population who can innovate, research and improve their economy.
On the other hand, supporters who argue that individuals should take responsibility for their expenses say that when people know they are liable for their own healthcare services they prioritise a healthy lifestyle to remain fit. Many western nations reported that modern diseases are linked to sedentary routine and dependance on junk food. Fast foods are high in sugar, salt and unhealthy fats which lead to serious diseases such as diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, lifestyle choices are main contributor to diseases. Secondly, students may value their studies more when they earn and pay their own tuition fees. It will encourage students to be independent and motivate them to complete their education successfully. As a result, paying own expenses can reduce financial burden on governments and they can focus more on other public sectors as well.
In conclusion, although both views have merits I believe that governments should place greater emphasis to support basic needs of public such as health and education. It will promote equality and reduce financial burden on low-income groups.