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A Jewish Perspective on Access to Healthcare

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 July 1998

NOAM J. ZOHAR
Affiliation:
Department of Philosophy, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel

Abstract

Can anyone doubt that the Jewish tradition mandates universal access to healthcare? In a comprehensive and illuminating discussion, A.L. Mackler seems to have already said all that needs to be said. After aptly analyzing the principles of the traditional institutions and norms relating to tzedakah (social justice, or welfare), Mackler proceeded to apply these traditions to the context of healthcare, concluding that

Society has the responsibility to ensure that needed medical care is provided to those who would otherwise be unable to receive it... Medical care for potentially life-threatening conditions justifies extraordinary expenditures, and represents an urgent obligation of society. (p. 150)

Type
SPECIAL SECTION: UNHEARD VOICES: RELIGIOUS PERSPECTIVES ON ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE
Copyright
© 1998 Cambridge University Press

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