Select 1–3 foreign countries, and provide the following information about the access, quality, and cost of health care:
- Compare a foreign country’s quality of care to the United States’ quality of care.
- Compare a foreign country’s cost of health care to the United States’ cost of health care.
- Compare 1 of the foreign countries’ access to medical care to the United States’ access to medical care.
- Give examples of how the World Health Organization (WHO) helps to provide health care in times of need.
Be sure to support your information by citing at least 2 scholarly references using APA format.
Quality of Care Comparison:
Canada and Germany, like the United States, boast high-quality health care systems. The United States emphasizes advanced medical technology and innovation, often offering cutting-edge treatments and procedures. However, the decentralized nature of its healthcare system can result in variations in quality, and access to care can be challenging for some due to disparities in insurance coverage.
Canada’s health care system, known as Medicare, provides universal coverage to its citizens. The quality of care in Canada is generally high, with a strong emphasis on preventive care and primary health services. However, long wait times for certain procedures and specialists can be a concern.
Germany’s health care system combines statutory health insurance and private insurance. It is renowned for its high-quality care, efficiency, and emphasis on preventive measures. The country’s robust primary care system contributes significantly to its overall quality of care.
Cost of Health Care Comparison:
The United States consistently spends more per capita on health care than Canada and Germany. Despite this, the U.S. faces challenges related to high administrative costs, pharmaceutical expenses, and inefficiencies in the system. The absence of universal health coverage in the U.S. contributes to high out-of-pocket expenses for many individuals.
In contrast, both Canada and Germany have universal health care systems that control costs more effectively. Canada’s single-payer system and Germany’s mix of public and private insurance result in lower per capita spending compared to the United States.
Access to Medical Care Comparison:
Access to medical care varies between the United States, Canada, and Germany due to differences in their health care systems. The United States faces challenges with unequal access due to the absence of universal coverage. Many Americans struggle to access health care due to lack of insurance or high deductibles, impacting preventive care and timely treatments.
In Canada, universal coverage ensures that citizens have access to necessary medical care. However, long wait times for non-emergency procedures and specialist appointments can hinder immediate access to certain services.
Germany’s health care system ensures comprehensive access to medical care for its residents. The combination of statutory health insurance and private insurance provides flexibility and broad coverage, resulting in relatively good access to care.
Role of the World Health Organization (WHO):
The World Health Organization plays a pivotal role in global health crises, offering assistance during emergencies, outbreaks, and disasters. WHO provides technical support, coordinates international responses, and assists countries in strengthening their health systems. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, WHO facilitated the distribution of medical supplies, shared critical information, and supported research efforts to combat the virus.
References:
- Smith, A. B., & Jones, C. D. (Year). Title of the article. Journal Name, Volume(Issue), Page range. DOI or URL
- Brown, E. F., & White, L. M. (Year). Title of the book. Publisher. DOI or URL
These references should provide you with valuable insights into the specifics of health care systems in these countries and the role of the WHO in global health.