16. Health of citizens

In a democracy, governments have a duty of care to their citizens, including their health.

Medical technology and drugs cost a lot to develop, but governments largely foot the bill through hospitals and medical consessions. People who would be healthy if they received adequate treatment cost governments money, both in direct support costs, and lost revenue due to loss of ability to work for income. That means governments have almost the only vested interest in medical diagnostics and procedures being as low cost as possible.