Introduction
The cost and quality of healthcare will vary substantially from one country to another. Such a difference explains why governments should consider the best model to transform the delivery of sustainable medical services. This paper offers a detailed comparison of the US health system with those of Canada, the DRC, and China.
Comparative Analysis
US Healthcare System
The US has a multilayered health system characterized by public and private providers. The government uses several programs to meet the medical needs of its citizens, such as Medicaid and Medicare. Employers and insurance companies can also fulfill people’s health demands. In terms of financing, the government is the major funder for health. Private companies also meet the costs for some patients (McDonough, 2015). Patients should be aware of the existing services and programs before making the best choice. This system explains why some citizens lack access to high-quality health services. Professionals should have specified qualifications before being licensed to practice. Those working in government and private hospitals receive competitive remunerations.
Canada
China has a single-payer healthcare system that ensures that almost all citizens have access to quality medical services. Funds for health come from federal and provincial revenues. The government sponsors medical plans in different territories. Patients have access to all necessary services, such as dentistry and surgery (Liu & Brook, 2017). They can also identify available hospitals and doctors with ease. The existing public insurance plan ensures that all citizens receive high-quality services. Physicians and other professionals enjoy competitive remunerations and good working conditions.
The DRC
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) does not have a defined health system. The government supports local and referral hospitals through annual budgetary allocations. This model allows private clinics and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to provide medical services to the population. The government pays health workers and purchases critical equipment while the citizens cater for their own health demands (Nortjé, De Jongh, & Hoffmann, 2018). Health workers are underpaid and work in less favorable conditions.
China
The Chinese government has developed a superior health system characterized by insurance programs and private and public medical institutions. The government uses its revenues to construct and equip facilities with appropriate equipment. Citizens are encouraged to enroll in public insurance programs that cater for half of the incurred medical expenses. Over 95 percent of the country’s population has some form of medical insurance coverage (Liu & Brook, 2017). Additionally, practitioners and physicians better working conditions and salaries.
Similarities and Recommendations
There are specific characteristics and features that are similar in the above four health systems. These include government involvement, the existence of private medical institutions, and insurance programs. These elements increase the number of people who receive appropriate medical services. They also ensure that more regions have adequate facilities. The issue of insurance makes it possible for patients to record reduced health expenses.
Canada appears to have a superior health system that supports the medical demands of the greatest number of citizens. The single-payer system minimizes disparities and supports the provision of medical care in every part of the country (McDonough, 2015). The US can implement a similar system to overcome the current disparities and gaps in care delivery.
Conclusion
The above discussion has identified mental illness as an area that requires the support of medical professionals and healthcare systems. The appreciation of this condition will make sure that all patients receive high-quality services. The paper has also explained why the US should consider the effectiveness of Canada’s health care system and borrow it to support the health demands of American citizens.
References
Liu, J. L., & Brook, R. H. (2017). What is single-payer health care? A review of definitions and proposals in the U.S. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 32(7), 822-831. Web.
McDonough, J. E. (2015). The United States health system in transition. Health Systems & Reform, 1(1), 39-51. Web.
Nortjé, C., De Jongh, J., & Hoffmann, W. A. (Eds.). (2018). African Perspectives on Ethics for Healthcare Professionals. New York, NY: Springer Shop.