Question

Many government programs (for example, controlling of hazardous pollutants in drinking water, improving nuclear power plant safety) are aimed to save human life as well as to reduce chronic illness, mortality and hospitalization. Given that government has several programs, how resources should be allocated among these programs depends on the value of human life. So an estimate of the value of life to society is necessary and such estimates are required by federal regulations for benefit-cost analysis.

Think about decisions made by medical personnel when they face shortage of Artificial Lung machines and PPE at hospitals in the U.S. Who gets to (stay alive and have a chance to survive) and who doesn't get one and dies?

So how is life to be valued? Simple answer -- life is priceless. But is it useful for decision making?

Answer 1

When medical personnel's face shortages of Artificial lung machines and PPE at hospitals in the US, they will provide the machines to the patients who can afford and will be able to pay for the high priced equipments as they are in shortage. Thus indirectly the wealthiest patients get to stay alive and receive the appropriate kind of treatment, getting a chance to survive.

On the other hand, the one's who can't afford to pay for the expensive facilities, mainly those from poor economic backgrounds, will not get to survive and thus die.

Life is priceless and in order to make an appropriate decision making factor, the machines should be provided to those who need it the most regardless of whether they are wealthy or not. Thus decision making has to be considered on the basis of benefit being given to the most number of people regardless of the cost under such circumstances.

For example even if the cost is more and exceeds benefit. There can be several measures undertaken to reduce the costs, such as by increasing the supply of such machinery, the price will reduce. The high cost can also be subsidized by the governments and incentives can be provided, thus the decision making should be based on the overall benefit being provided regardless of the cost under such situations where human life is at stake. In the end life is useful for decision making when one tries to save as many lives as possible. Which should be the ultimate motive of any government program.