The WHO Committee on Social determinants of health report published in August 2008 contains an unequivocal defense of publicly funded healthcare:

“Health is not a tradable commodity. It is a matter of rights
and a public sector duty. As such, resources for health must
be equitable and universal. There are three linked issues. First,
experience shows that commercialization of vital social goods
such as education and health care produces health inequity.
Provision of such vital social goods must be governed by the
public sector, rather than being left to markets. Second, there
needs to be public sector leadership in effective national and
international regulation of products, activities, and conditions
that damage health or lead to health inequities. These together
mean that, third, competent, regular health equity impact
assessment of all policy-making and market regulation should
be institutionalized nationally and internationally.” Executive summary, Market Responsibility, Page 20 http://whqlibdoc.who.int/hq/2008/WHO_IER_CSDH_08.1_eng.pdf

It goes on to say:

“The Commission views certain goods and services as
basic human and societal needs – access to clean water, for
example, and health care. Such goods and services must be
made available universally regardless of ability to pay. In such
instances, therefore, it is the public sector rather than the
marketplace that underwrites adequate supply and access.”