Healthcare System in Tunisia - Essay Example

Healthcare System in Tunisia Name Institution Instructor Date Healthcare System in Tunisia Background Information In modern society, there is need for increased awareness with regard to provision and access to healthcare services. Most governments invest heavily on this area because they understand the rationale for health and wellness in society. More than ever before, the world is grappling with threats on health that are occasioned by technological developments. Technological developments and innovations are responsible for health and medical risks.1 However, development of solutions for such risks depends on the same technology. For instance, there is an ever-present possibility of countries using technology in developing and propagating biological warfare that has potential for massive destruction of human life. The human population is also faced with possibility for outbreaks of dangerous diseases such as Ebola and other viral infections.2 Disease outbreaks lead to massive loss of life and consequently lead to suffering within family units. When families face economic hardships due to loss occasioned by disease, there is consequent effect on national economies. In light of the above scenarios, most countries have taken measures that seek to forestall such eventualities. One of the most prevalent mitigation strategies is formulation of healthcare systems that cater for recurrent health challenges within state entities. A superior healthcare system is one that can accommodate all aspects of healthcare provision, whether preventive or curative.3 Formulation and propagation of healthcare systems is a task that requires commitment and dedication by the governing authority in government. In the developed world, provision of healthcare services is usually efficient and dependable. All citizens have the requisite access to medical services regardless of their station in life. Healthcare delivery systems are vibrant and thriving in such countries. However, the issue of healthcare is very controversial in regions such Africa. Most African countries are perpetually consigned to economic hardships that are never supportive of programs such as healthcare provision. Although healthcare provision is enshrined in constitutions of such countries, it remains a mirage due to the inability and/or willingness of the ruling elite to implement it.4 In fact, the ruling elite are the only individuals who have access to superior healthcare services. This is occasioned by their ability to afford specialized medical care in privately owned health facilities. Due to this reality, majority of citizens in poor countries are dependent on public healthcare systems that lack basic supplies due to underfunding and negligence by the government. This research undertaking seeks to analyze the healthcare system in Tunisia. It shall look at the inherent features that characterize the provision of healthcare services in Tunisia.5 This essay shall look at the quality of healthcare services versus the efficiency of such in relation to the population of the African country. By analyzing the healthcare system in Tunisia, this scholarly endeavour shall have the capacity to determine diverse issues that affect or promote the delivery of healthcare in Tunisia. It shall also consider the demographic composition of Tunisia in a bid to understand its current and future prospects in relation to healthcare. The aforementioned objectives shall materialize through incorporation of resources from reputable and authoritative academic publications. Health Status and Demographics The republic of Tunisia has witnessed a steady increase in its population, both in terms of numbers and composition. The dynamics of population growth are largely dependent on prevailing circumstances such as healthcare provision, which consequently affects mortality and life expectancy. Since the 1950s, Tunisia has upped its population from 3 million to the current population that is beyond the 10 million mark.6 This steady upsurge in population is indicative of the need for strong and resilient healthcare system that integrates all basic issues that contribute to public health and wellness. In other words, this reality acts as a pointer for the government to intensify efforts that gear towards provision of healthcare for its increasing population. In the absence of appropriate measures and strategic action, the government of Tunisia may find it difficult to cater for the demand for health wellness among its citizens. The sudden increase in Tunisia’s population has been occasioned by high fertility rates and a decline in rate of mortality with regard to its citizens. This happened during the 1980s onward to the early 1990s.7 As the country progressed to the onset of the 21st Century, there was an evident decrease in fertility rate. The crude birth rate of this country had declined from 50 per 1000 live births to a meagre 16.8 per 1000 births in 2004. Within the same period, Tunisia has experienced a high death rate that has occasioned an alarming decrease in population numbers. By the year 2004, the population growth rate had plummeted to a paltry 1.08 %. Tunisia has also witnessed a shift in terms of population composition and structure, especially on the frontier of age dynamics. According to projections by the United Nations, division of population in Tunisia will exhibit positive outcomes come the year 2020. This will be a positive inclination because it is estimated that the country will have 12.5 % of its population comprising individuals over the age of 60. This will mark a steady increase from 6.7 % in 1984 and 9.5 % in 2004. In recent past, there has been evidence of improvement in population dynamics and healthcare provision systems.8 However, it is important to note that Tunisia has responded well to the challenges that emanate from the current increase in population. It has aligned itself with local and international organizations that offer monetary, professional, and logistical support for actualization of an efficient healthcare system. As a result of such efforts, Tunisia has ameliorated its crude life expectancy which currently stands at 75.68%. A breakdown of this rate indicates that the life expectancy of females averages at 77.9% while that of males stands at 73.6%. This demographic information is based on estimates for the year 2014.9 The information contained in this section is very crucial with regard to developing clear understanding on the organizational structure of the Tunisian healthcare system. On the other hand, it offers a basic orientation regarding inherent factors that characterize healthcare provision in the country. Based on the above information, the government of Tunisia has responded appropriately to guarantee the requisite healthcare services and facilities for its citizens. The hallmark of these efforts is the development of a healthcare system that has the capacity to guarantee and enhance efficient provision of healthcare services to its population. The Health System Organization in Tunisia As earlier mentioned, the health system in Tunisia is elaborate and vibrant in terms of capacity and ability to render services to its citizens. The most pertinent aspect in any healthcare system lies in the delivery and actualization of its mandate. The Tunisian healthcare model is coordinated by the ministry of public health (MoPH) through its regional wings that cater for specific areas of interest that constitute the diverse field of health and wellness. However, it is important to underscore the critical role that is played by the public service sector in enhancing and facilitating delivery of healthcare services in Tunisia.10 Despite the vibrant nature of the Tunisian healthcare model, there has been recorder growth with regard to the private sector that is usually expensive and out-of-reach for ordinary poor citizens. The contribution of private sector cannot be unnoticed because it caters for a sizeable segment of the population. The private sector is most prominent in provision of inpatient services through healthcare facilities that have presence in all parts of the country. However, majority of citizens in this country are largely dependent on healthcare facilities that are funded and run by the government.11 The healthcare system is dependent on a network of facilities that include 2068 public health centres, 118 outlets that operate at district level, 32 regional hospitals, and 22 facilities that preoccupy with teaching and referral. All the above facilities are fully owned by the government and their staffs suffice as civil servants. In most cases, the private sector compliments the public healthcare services by offering ambulatory services.12 There has been improvement with regard to the infrastructural capacity of the Tunisian healthcare system. The government, through internal and external funding, invests in development of superior healthcare facilities in order to guarantee efficiency and timely response to health risks in its jurisdiction. Through the current economic and social development plan, the Tunisian authorities guarantee adequate funds with regard to healthcare. This involves the annual allocations that gear towards improving quality and delivery of healthcare services.13 The private sector faces challenges in key areas such as funds to acquire sophisticated medical equipments. This is a major issue that makes it necessary for the private sector to collaborate with the public sector in provision of healthcare services. The financing in the health sector suffices through three major avenues. The first avenue is through direct provision of funds by the government. This usually targets individuals from economic backgrounds that do not support access to healthcare.14 The second source of funds is the social security funds that are responsible for enacting subsidies in medical care. The third stakeholder in provision of healthcare is private individuals who are encouraged to pay for their medical care. This collaboration with individual citizens has enabled the government to bolster its capacity to offer medical services to its citizens. In the recent past, the government has instituted regulatory measures that seek to control involvement of private sector in healthcare provision. This is coupled with constant efforts to underscore the importance of autonomy in running of healthcare establishments. Through strategic planning and oversight, the government has renewed its resolve to revolutionize the health sector by ensuring that all services are geared towards provision of healthcare as opposed to profiteering.15 This has been a challenge, especially for the private sector because they are motivated by returns from their investment. Due to this reality, the relevant government departments have endeavoured to streamline operations in a bid to create a resilient healthcare regime. Government oversight has also laid basic guidelines for standards that must be met by medical and health facilities. In absence of such oversight, it would be impossible for authorities to enact their resolve for efficiency in the healthcare sector. The ministry of public health is responsible for regulation and oversight on healthcare entities, whether public or private. However, there are certain regulatory functions that fall under the auspices of professional boards. Areas such as dentistry and pharmaceutical services are considered under this category.16 Currently, Tunisia lacks an elaborate accreditation regime, a fact that has led most healthcare outfits to seek such services from internationally recognized accreditation entities. Failure to offer accreditation and certification services have been compounded by the government policy of centralization of healthcare services. This has culminated in constant agitation for decentralization, which is a major trigger for establishment of such services. Accreditation plays an important role in ensuring that local medical and health facilities acquire international standards of care and provision of services.17 The healthcare system in Tunisia is currently vibrant and up to task regarding its capacity to handle current and future challenges in that sector. 95% of its population have access to healthcare services, which is indicative of progress as compared to yesteryears. This also shows the government resolve in offering adequate health services to its citizens. It is important for relevant authorities to improve all sectors that facilitate the delivery of healthcare services. For instance, health insurance is critical to realization of affordable services in the healthcare sector. The government has rolled out programmes towards strengthening of insurance in the healthcare sector.18 Conclusion Provision of healthcare is increasingly necessary in contemporary society due to issues that expose people to health risks. The Tunisian model of health care is efficient and capable of supporting efforts that seek to guarantee provision of the aforementioned services. In order to bolster its capacity in healthcare provision, the government has enlisted cooperation with the private sector. Such efforts demonstrate its resolve to ensure access to healthcare, especially for poor citizens. The healthcare system in Tunisia is compliant with international standards and terms of operation in this crucial sector. However, there is need for improvement in crucial areas such as health insurance. The government should also step up its oversight on private healthcare entities in order to cushion its citizens from price inflation and other unprofessional conduct.19 Reference Ghali, S., (2014) The Tunisian Path to Development: 1961-2001, A case study from Scaling Up Poverty Reduction: A Global Learning Process and Conference. Shanghai: McGraw hill. Read More