The US Healthcare System Compared to Other Countries - Essay Example

"The US Healthcare System Compared to Other Countries" is an outstanding example of a paper on the health system. The United States health care system is different from other countries because the cost of health care is very high. According to Garber & America Hospital Association (2006), the cost of health care per person is very high. It is comparable to the medical cost of ten people in a country like Japan. The cost of drug prescription is also high in the United States in comparison to other countries. Despite the expensive nature of care, the United States health care systems do not offer expected medical services due to the constant increase in the admission of patients with chronic diseases. In addition, the health care system is private. Consequently, good and services are offered to the people who can afford. Few people access health care because the cost is high (Beattie & Economic Development Institute, 2000).

Decentralized health system

            A decentralized health system is the most desirable system in every country. With this system of health, it is more likely that every person in a country gets equitable and efficient health service. The decentralized system carries out an equal distribution of health facilities in the rest of the country. It is important to note that people living in the city get equal health opportunities and serve as people in rural areas. In addition, there is an equal distribution of medical personnel (Willis, Reynolds & Keleher, 2009). For example, each region has an equal number of surgeons. Although the decentralized system of government has been advocated as the best system of improving the health system, a clear way of doing things is lacking. The decentralized system of health has three key elements throughout all states. First, the choice is transferred from the central system. Secondly, the choices of the local officials are characterized by increased discretion. Lastly, the effects of the choices are characterized by improved levels of discretion (Saltman, Bankauskaite & Vrangbaek, 2007).

Universal health care system

            This kind of system provides health care benefits to all citizens of a country. Every citizen pays for their health systems through monthly deductions in order to facilitate the provision of health care. The system ensures that every citizen accesses proper health care (Afifi, Rice, Andersen, Rosenstock & Kominski, 2013).

I would prefer the United States health system to adopt the universal health care system. The system guarantees proper health care despite a person’s status.  Unlike the decentralized system in which medical services offered might not be of high quality, universal health care ensures unlimited access to health care. In addition, the system enhances equality (Matcha, 2003). It is important to acknowledge the need to ensure that people access care at all levels to enhance continuity.

Conclusion

            It is necessary for a country to have a health system that caters to all its citizens. There are different categories of people economically, who require diverse categories of care. The United States needs to embrace a universal system of health in order to cater to the health needs of its entire population.

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