Select 1–3 foreign countries and provide the following information about the access, quality, and cost of health care:
Compare a foreign country’s quality of care to the United States’ quality of care.
Compare a foreign country’s cost of health care to the United States’ cost of health care.
Compare 1 of the foreign countries’ access to medical care to the United States’ access to medical care.
Give examples of how the World Health Organization (WHO) helps to provide health care in times of need.
Here’s a comparison of healthcare access, quality, and cost in three foreign countries: Canada, Japan, and Germany, alongside the United States.
Country | Access to Care | Quality of Care | Cost of Care | Comparison to US |
---|---|---|---|---|
Canada | Universal public healthcare system. Wait times for non-emergency procedures can exist, especially for specialists. | High quality, with good patient outcomes. Life expectancy similar to the US. | Lower overall costs than the US. Publicly funded system with some patient co-pays for medication. | Access: Similar wait times for some procedures, but everyone has guaranteed coverage. Quality: Similar quality, but may be more emphasis on preventative care. Cost: Significantly lower overall costs. |
Japan | Universal public healthcare system with co-pays and deductibles. | High quality, with a focus on preventative care and longevity. Life expectancy is the highest globally. | Lower overall costs than the US, but patients face some out-of-pocket expenses. | Access: Easier access to primary care, but co-pays can be a barrier for some. Quality: High quality, with a focus on preventative care. Cost: Lower overall costs, but out-of-pocket expenses can add up. |
Germany | Universal public healthcare system funded through employer-employee contributions. | High quality, with strong emphasis on research and technology. | Lower overall costs than the US. Public system with mandatory contributions. | Access: Relatively easy access to primary care, specialists may require referrals. Quality: Similar quality with a strong focus on research and technology. Cost: Lower overall costs, with mandatory contributions spread between employers and employees. |
US | Employer-based and private insurance system. Large uninsured population. | High quality, with access to advanced treatments and specialists. However, significant disparities exist. | Highest overall costs in the developed world. | Access: Unequal access based on insurance status and income. Quality: High quality for those with good insurance, but disparities exist for the uninsured and underinsured. Cost: Highest overall costs, with a large uninsured population facing financial burdens.
How the WHO Helps:
The World Health Organization (WHO) plays a crucial role in promoting global health equity and access to quality healthcare. Here are some ways they contribute:
By fulfilling these roles, the WHO helps ensure better access to healthcare, improve health outcomes, and promote a healthier world for all.