Health Care Issues
Germany
Germany is known for its universal healthcare system. This fact explains why the country provides insurance cover to its citizens. The system makes it easier for more people to receive quality care. However, the healthcare system is characterized by several problems (Roeder, 2012). For instance, the aging population is putting much pressure on the system. Patients wait for many hours to get quality care from different institutions.
Canada
The country’s health system is characterized by socialized insurance frameworks for the citizens. Such plans offer health insurance cover to all citizens. The system provides treatment and preventative care to more individuals. However, the system has been observed to be inefficient and incapable of providing sustainable patient support (Marchildon, 2013). The country’s aging population and increased costs continue to affect the system.
China
In China, different hospitals provide medical support to the country’s population. Individuals in urban regions do not have access to free medical or health support. Such citizens are forced to purchase sustainable insurance covers. The country’s private health institutions provide care to different people (Eggleston, 2012). Issues such as lack of finance, ineffectiveness, and inadequacy affect the healthcare system.
Russia
This nation’s healthcare system is characterized by private and public medical institutions. Private providers offer a wide range of services to the citizens. The Russian government allocated more funds to support the healthcare system. However, the economic crisis experienced in Russia “has led to reduced cuts in medical spending” (Crook, 2015). This issue continues to affect the welfare of more citizens. Many patients incur numerous expenses to acquire eminent health services.
Political, Economic, and Cultural Factors
Germany
The government of Germany has for many years funded the country’s healthcare system. In 2014, the sector received 11.3 percent of the total gross domestic product (GDP). The average life expectancy in the country is around 80 years. The nation’s economic past explains why it has a sustainable healthcare system. However, the political and economic changes experienced in Europe within the past three decades have affected the healthcare system’s sustainability (Roeder, 2012). The aging population is currently calling for better services. The acquisition of new technologies continues to transform the healthcare system.
Canada
The political forces experienced in Canada have been presenting new strategies to reform the healthcare system. Canada’s admirable economic performance supports the system. However, the increasing number of beneficiaries explains why more funds are needed. Cultural aspects such as immigration, acquisition of education, and traditional practices dictate the health outcomes of many people (Marchildon, 2013). These issues should be addressed in order to improve the healthcare system.
China
China has practiced Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for many centuries. However, the changes experienced throughout the 19th century led to new health frameworks. During the period, China was forced to embrace various Western ideas and practices. The communist government did very little to address the needs of more people. However, the changes experienced towards the end of the 20th century led to new economic and political changes (Eggleston, 2012). Consequently, the government implemented new reforms to support the system. The country’s population continues to dictate its healthcare system.
Russia
The Soviet Union dictated the availability of care to more people in the region. This political influence weakened the system thus making it inferior. From 2000, new measures were implemented to improve the system (Crook, 2015). With increased economic performance, the country presented more resources to support the population’s health needs. Cultural aspects such as diversity, availability of physicians, and aging population continue to reshape Russia’s healthcare system.
References
Crook, L. (2015). Constraints on universal health care in the Russian federation. Working Paper, 1(1), 1-25.
Eggleston, K. (2012). Health care for 1.3 billion: an overview of China’s health system. Working Paper Series, 1(1), 1-27.
Marchildon, G. (2013). Canada: Health system review. Health Systems in Transition, 15(1), 1-211.
Roeder, F. (2012). The private sector within a public health care system: The German example. Economic Note, 1(1), 1-4.