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Dr Prem's Guidebook - Global Healthcare

Intro to Dr Prem's Global Healthcare Guide Book 

In the last three years, I have traveled to 30 countries within the US, Europe, Middle East and Asia to understand healthcare scenarios in each country. The result is obvious that unequal economy, unequal care, unequal health spending and unequal healthcare services bring nothing but unequal challenges for each country.

On the whole, people are healthier, wealthier and live longer today than 30 years ago. There have been significant improvements in access to water, sanitation, communicable diseases and antenatal care. There have never been more resources available for health than now. However, there are other trends that must not be ignored. First, the substantial progress in health over recent decades has been deeply unequal, with convergence towards improved health in a large part of the world, but at the same time, a considerable number of countries are increasingly lagging behind or losing ground, as reported by the World Health Organization.

The healthcare system worldwide is observing significant issues arising from a shift in diseases, an increase of non-communicable and chronic disorders, Baby Boomers and an aging population, a fragmented healthcare system, commercialization of healthcare and increases in the cost of care while countries are facing a shrinking healthcare budget. Moreover, there is very little anticipation and slow response by authorities to tackle such challenges. Many government bodies are engaged in the management of diseases, and are not at all close to the prevention programs, which presents a major problem.

Major Topics

Morever, in this guidebook, we have discussed about Healthcare system in 50 countries and quality of healthcare, soon we will put information about healthcare crises in each country.


Wednesday
Feb092011

Healthcare in Argentina

Healthcare System in Argentina

The healthcare infrastructure in Argentina is overseen by the Ministry of Health and Social Action and made up of three main components—the public sector, the private sector and the Obras Sociales, an organization representing the Argentine’s work unions. The public sector is financed mainly through taxes and is generally available to all.

The private sector plays a great role in the healthcare system of Argentina as it covers approximately two million Argentines and represents over 200 medical facilities. The Obras Sociales is a system operated by health insurance funds for employees.



Quality of Healthcare in Argentina

The best medical care in Argentina can be found in the capital city of Buenos Aires, with high quality medical facilities and highly qualified physicians that have been trained abroad. Medical tourists can avail the finest surgical and wellness options utilizing the latest technology at fraction of the price.

However, the quality of health care will tend to differ out of the city. A lot of facilities, especially in the more rural areas, do not have up to date equipment on site and do not offer high quality services as compared to the urbanized cities.

 

Wednesday
Feb092011

Healthcare in Australia

Healthcare System in Australia

Healthcare in Australia, known as Medicare, is under the responsibility of both the public and private sector. This mixed system is funded mainly out of tax revenue, with the government assuming 70% of the costs (the rest is funded through private pay and insurance).

Medicare covers all Australians citizens, who pays the entire cost of the treatment in a public hospital and reimburses the visits to the doctors.  The majority of healthcare facilities belong to the public sector (about 70% of beds are in public hospitals and major teaching hospitals are public hospitals).

Those that choose to opt for private care have access to private healthcare insurance where they are likely to pay out-of-pocket.



Quality of Healthcare in Australia

An international comparison between developed countries claimed that the Australian healthcare system ranked either first or second on several health indicators and highly for healthy lives. In general, the quality of care in Australia in both public and private sectors, is excellently fairing well with patients and providers.

The government supported care provides their citizens with all-inclusive healthcare and the private sector fills in the gap for any lacking facilities providing an overall comprehensive care. The major Australian teaching hospitals have significant research profiles and the care is first-rate. Suburban and rural hospitals are also high-quality care providers.

 

Wednesday
Feb092011

Healthcare in Barbados

Healthcare System in Barbados

Barbados operates a system of nationalized healthcare, similar to the other nations within the Commonwealth of Nations. This ensures that all Barbadian citizens and residents have access to some form of healthcare provided by the public sector.

 

Quality of Healthcare in Barbados

Barbados has been making a name for itself as a prime medical destination within the Caribbean. It currently has over 20 poly-clinics, a dialysis center, facilities that can handle major surgery and an integrative hospital owned by Queen Elizabeth.

In order to demonstrate its ability of operating on international standards of care and quality, Barbados has its first accredited facility in the region. This is a stepping stone in the right direction for the region as it demonstrates the desire of Barbados to grow as a medical tourism destination offering high quality care to foreign patients. 

Wednesday
Feb092011

Healthcare in Belgium

Healthcare System in Belgium

Similar to other European countries, Belgium has a nationalized system of healthcare where all citizens are provided with free or low cost medical services. The system is funded through the national sickness fund which consists of four tiers of governmental operations.

Employees and employers are mandated to participate in the national health insurance scheme through payroll deductions.

 

Quality of Healthcare in Belgium

Belgium offers high quality healthcare solidifying its name as a notable medical tourism destination. The hospitals house the latest technology allowing complicated and specialized treatments. Belgium offers one JCI accredited hospital for tourists seeking healthcare that can assure international standards.

The Belgian doctors are usually foreign trained and go through strict requirements to practice medicine—they are even mandated to keep up-to-date with the latest information of the medical world. Therefore, patients can be assured that they are receiving the best care from highly educated providers.

Belgium is also home for several innovative cancer research centers, making it a prime destination for those seeking care or new treatments in oncology. It is also interesting to note that the hospitals in Belgium have recorded less than 0.5% secondary infection rates.