Some people might argue that although a formal criteria system is generally preferred over a substantive criteria system (which considers personal characteristics), it is unfair for those who have pressing need for a medical resource to be up against those who can wait for treatment, regardless of whether their illness was self-inflicted or not. I think that decisions regarding the allocation of scarce medical resources should follow the formal criteria system and consider only substantial differences between patients. These include the urgency of the need, benefit of the treatment, prospect of success, and quality of life or age factors. The allocation of scarce medical resources should respect the individuality of each patient and the elements
