The United States offers arguably the best health care in the world. People from around the world suffering from cancer or bone disorders are sent to centers in the United States which specialize in the treatment of the said disorders. Ironically as it boasts of being ranked number one in the world its healthcare system is ailing. Compared to other healthcare systems the U.S ranks a dismal 37th in world rankings.
Nature of the U.S Healthcare
The U.S Health care system is composed of numerous subsystems that work together .this structure has been created through public policy and entrepreneurial initiatives of providers and insurers (Gunnar, 2008).Health care in the U.S can be divided into public, private and combined. Collectively they cover nearly all U.S citizens.
The defragmentation of health care in the U.S has resulted in there being no distinct hierarchy; there is delay in dissemination of information and frequent friction between subsystems. This hinders effective regulation of the healthcare system. Private health care providers are driven by profit. This is evidenced by private providers disregarding the effectiveness relative to cost. It also does not consider alternative treatment. As a result the U.S ends up paying an estimated 13% share of GDP to health care. Making the U.S health care system inefficient economically. (Gunnar, 2008)
The fragmented nature of the U.S healthcare system does not promote equity of health care as is the case in most countries. The private healthcare providers provide for the upper and middle class in society. It's safe to assume that they will enjoy relatively higher quality of health care. Those who are unemployed and uninsured are provided for under local health departments, these people end up receiving health care of lower quality compared to the upper and middle class. Statistics show that half the recommended care is given to these patients at their first primary visit. (Plsek 2001)
The U.S is cited to have a health care that is "high on cost, unequal in access and average in outcome". The U.S needs a health care that is reliable, efficient and equitable; based on the strong principles of healthcare for every one and not the economics of profitability as is the case with private healthcare providers.
