I live in a country with free healthcare, and I find it hard to relate to your description. By law, hospitals and specialists are required to begin examinations or treatment for most illnesses within a specific timeframe. For serious conditions like cancer, the process starts within 7 days. The healthcare system is also deeply integrated with social services and other support networks.
When I broke my ankle a few years ago, not only did they provide excellent medical care, but they also arranged for the delivery of essential items to my home, including a wheelchair, bath stool, and crutches. These were all provided for the months it took for my ankle to heal. They even scheduled physiotherapy sessions twice a week during my recovery — all free of charge.
After my recent diagnosis of a serious degenerative illness, the system worked just as seamlessly. Within a week, I was approved for three weekly physiotherapy sessions with specialists in my condition. They’re now identifying additional aids that could support me going forward. Once again, all of this is provided free of charge, and I didn’t even have to request it — they automatically follow a comprehensive checklist tailored to each illness.