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Understanding Healthcare Systems: Where Does India Fall?

If we pull ourselves back and see the bigger picture, we will see how the healthcare we receive is bound by a healthcare system that operates beyond our individual needs

Written by Kashish Sharma | Published : December 14, 2022 1:25 PM IST

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Healthcare Systems Of World

As per the WHO, the world is in the midst of a humanitarian and climate crisis. Hence, health for all is an urgent need for the hour. However, the sad reality is that the world is still ideal where everyone everywhere can access healthcare without financial burden. If we pull ourselves back and see the bigger picture, we will see how the healthcare we receive is bound by a healthcare system that operates beyond our individual needs. While some countries do great in providing the best possible healthcare to all its people, there are however limitations to all healthcare systems. Hence, it will be a good idea to have a look at some of them.

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The Beveridge Model

This system of healthcare can be seen in UK, Spain, New Zealand and other places. It is a centralized healthcare system where government acts as the single player. Citizens in these places just pay a tax that ensures the coverage of all healthcare facilities. It also means that nobody would get a medical bill. Most of the healthcare providers in this system are government employees and private players get hardly any chance to play. Since the rates are standardized, such a healthcare system becomes prone to overutilization. Also, since everybody can access all facilities at all times, it means a lot of delays. Such a system however runs the risk of falling in times of a national crisis where the government goes low on funds. Also Read - Creativity in Early Childhood: How imagination and play boost brain development and academic success in kids

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The Bismarck Model

This kind of system one might find in Germany, Switzerland, Japan and other places. Here the employers and employees collaboratively ensure health coverage through compulsory sickness funds created by payroll deductions. Private insurance plans can also find a way in. While the insurers are public, healthcare providers can be private. However, prices are strongly controlled by the government. The downfall of this system is how to ensure healthcare services who are unable to work or contribute to the economy.