How to Privatize the VA

A Simple Checklist

Suzanne Gordon
Jul 30, 2017 · 2 min read

In Washington, political leaders insist they are not trying to privatize the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Actions, however, speak louder than words.

Privatization does not only mean selling off public sector resources to private sector interests. It involves a range of actions that create the perception that public sector systems do not, and can never, deliver high-quality services. Specific policies and actions then proceed to make this a self-fulfilling prophecy. And voila! You have it: PRIVATIZATION!

To justify privatizing the VHA, they:

  • Portray the public system as broken, or beyond repair.
  • Portray the private sector system as the solution to any quality or service problems in the public sector.
  • Blame any problems in the public system on its employees or administrators rather than on complex social problems or political decisions.
  • Create draconian accountability measures and standards that deprive employees of their workplace rights.
  • Create a ‘shame and blame’ atmosphere in the workplace that demoralizes the public sector workforce.
  • Attack public sector unions as obstacles to “reform,” progress, or the delivery of high quality services.
  • Starve the public sector system of needed resources and appropriate staff.
  • Fail to adequately maintain and improve infrastructure and provide needed equipment and renovate or construct needed facilities.
  • Shift public funds to the private sector.
  • Spin deals with for-profit companies to provide services that have been adequately delivered in the public sector system.
  • Produce erosion of services and respond to service users’ complaints by arguing for further privatization.

How’d we get to this point? The Battle for Veterans’ Healthcare is a long and winding road and if it’s lost, veterans won’t be the only ones who suffer. If the Department of Veterans Affairs is privatized, America’s only integrated health care system will disappear to the detriment of all Americans.

Suzanne Gordon

Written by

Patient safety advocate, @TheProspect contributor, and author of "The Battle for Veterans' Healthcare." I cover @DeptVetAffairs, healthcare comms & teamwork.

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