Taxpayer Monies Paid For Elective Surgery in Europe

The European Parliament

A leaked copy of The Practical Guide to the Reimbursement of Medical Expenses revealed that almost £3 million of taxpayer monies will be spent in 2011 by members of the European Parliament (called MEPs). That wouldn’t be shocking if it didn’t include spa visits and cosmetic surgery. During these times of fiscal austerity in Europe, it’s not surprising that this report raised alarms among the taxpayers and media.
The European Parliament’s 736 members, as well as their families, have been reimbursed for cosmetic surgery, anti-aging products & treatments, massages and private spa visits, sometimes at rates of 100% of expenses for these non-essentials.  Husbands and sons of MEPs also received treatment for impotence, although it’s claimed that Viagra is only approved if the condition is a result of illness. During these times of fiscal austerity in Europe, it’s not surprising that this report raised alarms among the taxpayers and media.
There was a time in America that military servicemen and women received free cosmetic surgery such as nose jobs, breast enhancements and face lifts. The logic for that practice was that military plastic surgeons were able to better develop their skills in reconstruction when they were allowed to do cosmetic procedures. In other words, it’s easier to work on the injured if you have additional practice working on the healthy. This ended when a CNN story blasted the practice. Now service personnel can get cosmetic surgery at their military hospitals only by paying a fee.
To my blog readers: Do you think people in the military should get free cosmetic surgery? If so, why or why not? Share your views!
To your health & beauty,
Dr. Gregory Chernoff