Interesting ideas and I think the U.S. could benefit from taking a look at how healthcare is handled in other parts of the world. We hear alot about Canada (especially when it comes to universal healthcare and prescriptions) but I think it's time for a broader scope.
A few days ago, I ran across a story about Japan's health care system. Keep in mind, Japan has the longest healthy life expectancy on Earth and spends half as much on health care as the United States, which settles one of my biggest gripes with the healthcare system -- the cost.
Apparently, the Japanese Health Ministry controls health care prices down to the tiniest detail. According to NPR, every two years, the Japanese health care industry and the health ministry negotiate a fixed price for every procedure and every drug. Premiums are around $280 a month for the average Japanese family.
So far, this system sounds fantastic, but there is a downside, Japanese doctors apparently don't make very much and hospitals don't make very much either. Maybe removing the cost factor leads to better care? Some would argue, you get what you pay for. Thoughts?
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Interesting ideas and I think the U.S. could benefit from taking a look at how healthcare is handled in other parts of the world. We hear alot about Canada (especially when it comes to universal healthcare and prescriptions) but I think it's time for a broader scope.
A few days ago, I ran across a story about Japan's health care system. Keep in mind, Japan has the longest healthy life expectancy on Earth and spends half as much on health care as the United States, which settles one of my biggest gripes with the healthcare system -- the cost.
Apparently, the Japanese Health Ministry controls health care prices down to the tiniest detail. According to NPR, every two years, the Japanese health care industry and the health ministry negotiate a fixed price for every procedure and every drug. Premiums are around $280 a month for the average Japanese family.
So far, this system sounds fantastic, but there is a downside, Japanese doctors apparently don't make very much and hospitals don't make very much either. Maybe removing the cost factor leads to better care? Some would argue, you get what you pay for. Thoughts?
April 16, 2008 - 2:56pmThis Comment
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