Re “Nurses denounce plans to close Olympia hospital,” Jan. 21 issue

Even if we were not in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, it would be a serious mistake to close medical facilities that treat and cure patients. I’m sure everyone will agree that hospitals are vital to people’s lives, and the Olympia Medical Center is no exception. But my concern goes well beyond Olympia Medical Center.

To best explain, let’s draw an analogy. Throughout the country, we have well-trained fire and police departments included among the services provided by our government to protect our people. They often save lives. The very same could well apply to our medical needs and services. Replace privately owned medical establishments with public, nonprofit organizations. So long as the medical facility belongs to a private institution, it is like any other profit-making business. May I ask, how do other countries do it so well, better than we? 

And while we are at it, we can eliminate the high-priced medical insurance policies we are forced to purchase. It has been estimated that would save about 30% of our medical costs. Use those added savings to administer and operate the public medical facilities.

George Epstein

Detroit Street