To the editor:

I quote from Mr. Supernaw’s letter (Public Forum, Jan. 26): “If Mr. Hirschey lived in countries with government-run health systems like Canada, Germany, England or Japan, he would have received the same excellent care he received here with not one dime out of pocket. Incidentally all those government-run health systems are rated superior to ours and at less cost per person.”

I can only speak with respect to the health system of England where a member of my staff was stricken with cancer of the bone. He was 66 years old. The “system,” because of his age, refused treatment. He subsequently died a few months latter. Might this be the action of a “death squad”?

As to the health systems being superior to ours one wonders why many from other countries come to the United States for treatment. It certainly cannot be because the cost here is less than in their own country. Could it be that they can get superior treatment here? (or maybe get treatment that was refused in their own country? )

Our health care system is costly. There are things that can be done to lower these costs, none of which is to pass the current bills being considered in House/Senate.

P.T. Cross,

Lawrence