Why the American Healthcare System is Lagging and How to Revive It

The American healthcare system has long been criticized for its high costs, limited access, and complexity. Despite boasting of its excellence, it has faced numerous challenges that put it significantly behind many other developed countries in terms of equitable access to healthcare services.

Corruption and Misguided Purposes

One of the primary issues with the American healthcare system is its corruption. The purpose of healthcare in the United States is not to get people well, although it occasionally does, but to ferret out funds from the population and channel them into pharmaceutical companies, large hospital chains, and, ultimately, the campaign funds of politicians. The wellbeing of patients is not a priority, and it is actually preferable to keep patients sick since it creates more opportunities to amass funds for political influence.

Limited Access and Affordability

A stark statistic highlights the extent of the disparity. In the U.S., a significant portion of the population is denied access to necessary medical services due to high costs and limited coverage. Insurance companies often decide treatment based on their profit motives rather than the needs of the patients. This is a stark contrast to the universal healthcare systems practiced by 36 countries, which have superior healthcare outcomes.

Proposed Improvements

To address these issues, several proposed improvements have been put forward. These include:

Cost Reduction: Service consolidation, embracing technology, and shifting to value-based care. Embracing Technology: Utilizing technology to streamline processes and reduce costs. Shifting to Value-Based Care: Focusing on preventive care and addressing healthcare disparities.

Value-based care aims to improve the quality of care provided by aligning payment with the outcomes of care. Preventive care can help in reducing the overall costs of healthcare by catching potential health issues early.

Overcoming Political and Economic Barriers

However, the path to reform is fraught with challenges. Those who profit from the current system have significant financial resources and political influence. They have the ability to bribe politicians and mislead the public to maintain the status quo. As a result, even when proposals for reform exist, they often fail to gain traction.

Ultimately, reviving the American healthcare system requires a concerted effort from the government, healthcare providers, and the public. It must involve a fundamental shift in the public policy that prioritizes the wellbeing of citizens over corporate profit.

Conclusion

Improving the American healthcare system is not a mere administrative task; it is a necessary step towards ensuring that all citizens have the necessary access to quality healthcare. The proposed improvements, ranging from cost reduction to technology adoption and a focus on value and prevention, can help create a more equitable and accessible healthcare system. However, overcoming the political and economic barriers will be crucial in achieving lasting change.