If each of us as individuals, and society as a whole, were to fulfill our duties better, we would see our rights better satisfied

At this time when there is so much talk about the loss of rights due to public cutbacks caused by the crisis, it is good to reflect on the duties that we all also have. They are closely related. If each of us as individuals, and society as a whole, were to fulfill our duties better, we would see our rights better fulfilled.

Let me illustrate this with an example in the healthcare environment. On Christmas Day I had to go to the emergency room. Nothing serious, fortunately, but necessary, as I sprained my ankle and needed attention. The hospital emergency room was packed. I was told that this happens every Christmas Day. There are people who go there to hang out. A doctor friend told me that only 5% of emergencies are really emergencies. There may be more, but we all know that many people come unnecessarily, generating unnecessary costs and a worse service for those who really need it.

Can you imagine how much the service would improve (less waiting time, better care) and the cost if the emergency room were half as expensive? Maybe we should think about co-payment, except in exceptional cases. How many people would stop going to the emergency room if it cost five euros per visit? Is that to eliminate public health or to ensure its efficient use? Is that to eliminate rights or to balance them with our obligation to use them properly?

We ask for more cleanliness in the streets but we do not say anything when we see people throwing cigarette butts or painting walls; we ask for more Education for our children but we do not spend time on them. And so we could go on. I hope that the cuts do not harm our rights as citizens, but we will only achieve that by making good use of public services and when, as a society, we fulfill our duties better.