Making Our Health Care System Better
Hi there,
Have you ever wondered what makes a country's health care system truly effective?
This past week, some students and I stumbled upon an intriguing article from the Economist that discusses why Thailand's health care is so good. The author highlights several key points: effective public health policies, rural health care initiatives, and affordable universal health coverage. While these ideas are impressive, I have a few additional thoughts that might help us reflect on Taiwan's health care system and how it compares.
Here is the summary of the Article:
Effective Public Health Policies: Thailand has focused on rural development and public health, ensuring that all districts have hospitals and investing in medical education. Medical graduates are required to spend the first three years of their careers in villages. This initiative has led to a "golden generation" of doctors, according to Eduardo Banzon of the Asian Development Bank.
Universal Health Coverage: Since 2002, Thailand offers universal health coverage, which includes preventive care and affordable treatments, funded through a capitation model.
Economic Efficiency: Thailand's health care spending remains affordable, even as the country expands its health care programs.
Preventive Health Care: Emphasis on preventive health care and grassroots health workers has helped improve overall health outcomes.
Future Challenges: Thailand faces challenges with an aging population, putting strain on its health care system.
On the other hand, here are my thoughts on Taiwan's health care:
High Health Care Coverage: Taiwan's National Health Insurance (NHI) covers 99.9% of the population, with health care spending at 8% of GDP. The average life expectancy is 79.84 years.
Personal Experience and Areas for Improvement: While Taiwan's health care system is efficient, I believe there is room for improvement in the doctor-patient relationship. For instance, during my low point in life during COVID, I felt uncomfortable discussing private matters with a nurse present. In the UK, only the doctor is present unless a nurse is needed, which fosters trust and respect.
Technology and Efficiency: Taiwan's health care efficiency is impressive, but integrating technology like AI could further enhance the patient experience and make medical record management more efficient.
Your Thoughts?
What do you think about Taiwan's health care system?
What aspects do you find most satisfactory?
Are there areas you think need improvement?
