In opinion polls at election time health is often the leading topic of concern. Not surprising therefore that Governments spend ever more on health. But expenditure doesn't seem to lead to satisfaction or to be directly related to life expectancy. The US spends 17% of GDP on health, the highest in the world and almost twice as much as Italy, but comes 46th in terms of life expectancy, more than four years less than Italy.
Should we stop focusing on doctors and hospitals, money and medical intervention, and instead focus on lifestyle and well being? Do we want to believe that money and resources deliver health to avoid the less comfortable conclusion that we all die in the end? Or should we just be thankful for the success of our drugs and vaccines and not puzzle too much over the stats?