Health care reform - Research Paper Example

In the film Sicko, by Michael Moore, he looked at the inequalities that exist between the United States healthcare systems in comparison to that in other countries. The way in which he showed his argument both in the interviews as well as his actions makes a compelling argument for the inadequacy of US healthcare. While universal healthcare and non-profit systems such as in Canada and Cuba are great, however the expenses come at a price to the people. It does point out the inequalities that exist in comparing the US to other nations.

The biggest shocking fact was that 9/11 victims were not being treated adequately. As a result, they had to travel to another country in order to get the aid they needed. It is an inadequacy that we are medically treating criminals and enemies of the state for free, while our own people who either can or cannot afford medical insurance are forced to try to make due with the system that is already in place. The IOM paper was able to provide a good methodology for the development and re-establishment of the US healthcare system.

It calls for reform not only in the way in which the healthcare system works, but also in which physicians, nurses, etc. should behave and work with citizens. The focus is on treating the patient not only physically, but mentally and spiritually as well. It also calls for making healthcare more easily accessible. The biggest flaw with the article in what is needed in order to promote the changes in both medical education and hospital regulation is the monetary budget that would be required. Even if a reform was able to be funded, it would take years to completely revolutionize the system.

The idea and components are sound, some of which are easier to change than others. The biggest problem with the United States healthcare is the disparities, or the inequalities that exist. One of the largest things that is emphasized in the culture and business of the United States is social Darwinism. Those that can afford healthcare and those that cannot will suffer inequalities. The example was pointed out that those with low grade health insurances usually don’t get screened for illnesses such as cancers and diabetes.

This then leads to the progression of the illness which by the time it is diagnosed, it already has a high probability of mortality rate. In addition, access to certain resources and physicians is also limited by socioeconomic status. The problem with our healthcare system is the inadequacy of addressing medical concerns on a high output level. Even though technology and medical science has been increasing, there are still problems in the medical sector. Part of the problem is the training that is being received in medical school, nursing school etc.

So much is put into technology and medication that the patient/doctor relationship is almost non-existent. In addition, empathy isn’t always shown to patients especially those who suffer from dehabilitating illnesses. The civil population also always has to deal with high insurance premiums because the price of medical treatment and medicines has increased. It is also because the malpractice insurance has also risen as a result of doctors being sued for improper medical treatment. The idea of socialized and universal healthcare is great in theory and in some societies such as Canada and Cuba, it may be possible.

However, the