John Q. Movie

I just recently watched the movie, John Q. The main character, John Q. is played by Denzel Washington. It’s about the problems he encounters with his HMO insurance plan when he finds out his son has an enlarged heart and needs a heart transplant. The surgery costs $250,000 and since they can only receive $20,000 from his insurance, John Q. takes matter into his own hands and holds the hospital’s ER room hostage. All in hopes of finding a way to keep his son alive.

Its main idea of portraying today’s so called “faulty" insurance companies and hidden procedures were realistic. I was shocked and upset when the hospital told the parents their son needed a transplant that would cost thousands of dollars. This scene was a major eye opener. Personally pursing a career in the health industry and originally coming from an underdeveloped third world country, I see the situation’s opposing sides. As much as I’d like quality healthcare to be available to everyone, I know it is also an over reaching goal. I believe hospitals should be allowed to demand a percentage of the total cost in cash payments for life saving operations. Today’s national economy crisis involves $700 billion bailout proposals, a clear example why money and huge amounts of loans should not be lent out.

John Q., his wife, and friends tried to raise money for the surgery numerous ways, with yard sales and donations. Even with all their efforts, it still wasn’t enough. John Q. resorted to holding the hospital hostage, even though he knew it was against the law. As a father, he did the right thing for his son. Later on the movie he even forced a surgeon and hospital staff to aid in a surgery where he was willing to give up his heart for his son’s needed heart transplant. Although, his actions broke some more rules and hospital regulations, it was still a true beneficent act.

John Q. was a really dramatic film, bringing problems in the healthcare industry home. Our country is one of the leading nations when it comes to healthcare. Every aspect from education, research developments, treatments, and technology reaches top notch. Although, there is a price to pay to go along with all the hard work and sacrifices individuals go through pursuing a career in the health industry, there should also be a balance. A balance between serving, helping the lives of others and the hard earned reward for your services.