It’s a well-known fact that some healthcare systems are better than others – the NHS, we’re not talking about you. Most European countries and some Asian countries are renowned for having advanced healthcare systems that other countries could only dream of having. Below, we’ve picked out the top three and how they work.
Germany
When it comes to quality of care and efficiency, Germany’s healthcare system is a cut above the rest. It uses a dual system composed of compulsory statutory health insurance (SHI) and voluntary private health insurance (PHI). The SHI is financed through payroll deductions from employees and employers, with approximately 90% of Germans enrolled in it. The remaining 10% subscribe to PHI, mainly high-income earners who prefer extensive coverage with more bells and whistles.
Flexibility is one unique aspect of Germany’s medical system. Patients have the freedom to choose where they get treated, and there are strong doctor-patient relationships. Competition among providers helps maintain high standards. Germany also excels in its healthcare infrastructure. The country enjoys an impressive ratio between hospitals and doctors, resulting in easy access to medical help.
Germany also boasts a vibrant pharmaceutical industry and medical research that continues to contribute towards advancements in medicine delivery methods and technology. They care for their patients and population, with regular health checks, also known as health MOTs, as standard.
The United States
OK, let’s start by saying the US isn’t on our list for patient outcomes, staffing levels, or quality of care. The US does have an excellent healthcare system, with websites like MASC Medical (mascmedical.com) attempting to resolve the staffing crisis and perhaps the quality of care. And yes, it’s criticized for costliness and unequal access, but the US health delivery remains at the pinnacle globally regarding medical discovery and research.
Many top-notch medical schools like Johns Hopkins University, Mayo Clinic, and Harvard Medical School are situated there, just like some world-leading hospitals and research centres. These institutions emphasize developing new drugs, treatments, or medical technologies. They’re leaders in medical innovation. The country heavily invests in biomedical research, with substantial amounts from the government and private sector.
This has led to groundbreaking discoveries in areas like oncology, cardiology, and neurology. Some of the most important medical breakthroughs have laid the foundation for global health care.
Japan
Japan is living in the year 3,000 with everything – it’s no surprise that’s the case for their healthcare. It’s financed through a combination of employer-based insurance, community-based insurance, and government subsidies. This means every person living in Japan can access health care, regardless of whether they are employed. And the Japanese people live extremely healthy lives, the healthcare system isn’t necessarily stretched.
Preventive care and early diagnosis are central to Japan’s healthcare approach. Regular health check-ups are mandatory, and there is a strong emphasis on public health campaigns. This focus on prevention helps manage chronic diseases and reduce healthcare costs in the long run.
Similarly, Japan also stands out as a global leader in medical technology and innovation. It is famous for having the most advanced robot-assisted surgical procedures, diagnostic imaging techniques, and the use of regenerative medicine. The best health systems in the world aim at making healthcare accessible, delivering high-quality care, and encouraging preventive measures. Every health system has something valuable to offer in terms of lessons on how to deliver health care effectively.
