Question

Discuss the implications of brain drain on health systems. Analyze how the WHO recommends countries address this topic.

Most advanced countries have health systems based upon the assumption that healthcare is a right, but the United States system is based upon the idea that healthcare is a “personal good.” What is the significance of this distinction and what are the consequences?

Discuss the main components of the Affordable Care Act. Analyze the debate over two components of it and include your own opinion.

Select a case study (other than your own) that a fellow student presented in class and discuss the key lessons it illustrates in public and/or global health

Answer 1

Brain drain is one of the most common issue and a problem faced by majority of the developing countries. The health care system suffers a lot due to the whole problem of brain drain. The migration of the health professionals from developed to developing countries has become a major concern impacting the overall health care facility of the country. This leads to depleted health care resources in the poor and developing countries broadening the gap in health inequalities. One of the biggest examples is the brain drain of health professionals from African countries which has impacted the health care system. With most of the healthcare professionals moving out, it becomes a hassle for the citizens as they are deprived of good medical service and have to rely on outside treatment service. The key factors involving brain drain is poor renumeration of health professionals, poor working condition, discrimination etc.

United States believe that healthcare is a “personal good” which means it requires a lot of money to be able to afford healthcare. This means that in order to stay healthy and afford good healthcare, insurance is a must without which everything becomes extremely expensive. In other advanced countries, health care system is a right which means mostly health care and medical assistance is provided with less cost and is made available to every citizen.

Key components of the Affordable Healthcare Act are:-

1. Reducing the cost of premium for healthcare insurance – Healthcare is not cheap and in order to get access to it without spending a bomb, medical insurance is extremely important. In order to make it affordable it is important to bring down the money spent in the premium
2. Rights & Protections – The Patient’s bill of right is important which states consumer protections and provides information about the knowledge one needs to make informed choice about your health. Next is the summary of benefit and coverage which means issuance of an easy to understand summary of health plan’s benefit and coverage by most health insurance plans.
3. Providing free medical and preventive care is another important factors.