Financial Problems Besetting the UCI Medical Center

The stories on the plight of the UCI Medical Center were excellent. They correctly pointed out the very real problems facing Orange County’s premier medical facility. More importantly, they raised questions which we as a society must address with respect to medical care for human beings unable to pay the astronomic costs involved. It would seem that while our government is dedicated to the “life, liberty and pursuit of happiness,” the lives of many are sacrificed for the monetary pursuits of the few at profit-making hospitals. It needs to be recognized that every doctor achieves his or her lofty status as a result of a major financial commitment made by the public.

Although the story correctly pointed out that the quality of care provided by UCIMC is excellent, the point cannot be made strongly enough. I know firsthand of the center’s excellence and of the careful commitment of its doctors and staff.

The Times and writers Marcida Dodson and Bill Billiter are to be congratulated for this excellent contribution to an important public dialogue.

--JACK R. CHAPPELL

Irvine