Imperative Global and Public Health - Essay Example

"Imperative Global and Public Health" is a worthy example of a paper on the health system.
President Obama’s state address on January 28, 2014, has yet again raised the important issue of effective healthcare delivery. America’s Affordable Care Act is an important breakthrough in the healthcare delivery that has introduced reforms and ensured health equity through Medicaid, Medicare and other affordable health insurance plans. They include existing diseases and give protection to senior citizens and overall has reduced the burden on the common man where effective healthcare is concerned. Most importantly, the social determinants of health vis-à-vis physical environment (cleanliness, space, transportation etc.); social environment (demography, income, education, employment etc.); individual behaviour (smoking, drug addiction etc.); genetic (sex) and health services that emphasize accessibility to equality and affordable healthcare have all been addressed within the reforms for efficient delivery of healthcare (Whitehouse, 2009).

 President Obama has also stressed that diplomacy rather than war would be the major focus of the Americans. He asserts that American leadership is also defined by ‘the enormous opportunities to do good and promote understanding around the globe…. Free people from fear and want’. Obama’s foreign policies are intrinsically linked to global values and beliefs in the dignity and equality of every human being, regardless of race or religion, creed or sexual orientation. Through treaties and agreements with foreign states and funding or sanctions, it influences the global health imperatives. Consequently, international NGOs like WHO, USAID, CRS, MNCs like Pepsi, Exxon, GM etc. have also evolved as a vital part of a global health system that constructively contributes to the creation of better healthcare facilities across the world, especially poor nations (Merson, Black, &  Mills, 2012).  Obama’s plans therefore significantly influence the vulnerable population and evolve new mechanisms for greater health equity.

Response

The text highlights important points of Obama speech and supports his views with outside references. Indeed, Obama’s concern for the children and the vulnerable segment is correct. He also emphasizes that social determinants hugely contribute to the health of nations. ‘Healthy People 2020’ promotes healthy societies by addressing core issues of quality, affordability and preventive measures within the healthcare agenda of America. Equity in healthcare, employment and equal opportunities is also an important issue that facilitates the development of a healthier America. Indeed, Obama has not discussed Medicare but talked about fixing the broken healthcare system! Affordable Care Act helps address the issue. Minimum wages and equity in pay across genders is important to point raised by Obama.  Moreover, Obama’s concern for global health equity and America’s role in addressing global health and poverty issues is highly recommendable.

Answer 1

Nursing intervention within healthcare issues is a hugely pertinent issue that considerably influences the overall health of society. It not only facilitates greater health outcome within the clinical environment but their proactive participation in understanding and addressing the social determinants of health like empowerment of public with regard to diseases and prevention, poverty, gender discrimination (Ryles, 1999). Consequently, nurse advocacy has emerged as an important factor that directly impacts the welfare of the people. Nurse advocate helps build relationships with patients and community which are designed to explore human aspect in the burning health issues like obesity, smoking or even how to interact with physically challenges persons. They empower patients and community with requisite information so that they can make effective decisions with regard to their health for higher health outcome. (wd:267)