In the Netherlands we pay for the healthcare system. The premiums are expensive, but on the other hand we have the best quality of healthcare in Europe. In the UK every citizen gets free healthcare, but the budget of the Department of Health in the UK  is too small to provide the costs (ZorgWijzer, 2016). The current models of UK health care provision are unsustainable, central funding no longer keeping pace with demand(Swanton, 2017).

Costs of medical care are rising.
 The number of elderly patients are rising.
 The impacts of chronic disability are rising.
 The number of people with multiple long-term conditions is growing.
 There is an overburdening of acute care, because primary care is poorly integrated and structured to deal with this social crisis in the UK(Swanton, 2017).

A potential solution is a rapidly focus on disease prevention in stead of curing the illness. We also have to look at the true costs and effectiveness of medical care. What should and should not be provided, and why. Necessary is an increase in social care funding. Without such actions, the prognosis for the British healthcare system may be poor(Swanton, 2017).

Healthcare should be free, but if necessary … I like to pay a premium for good and safe healthcare delivered at any time.

 

 

References: 

Montgomery, H., Haines, A., Marlow, N., Pearson, G., Mythen, M., Grocott, M. & Swanton, C. (2017, april). The future of UK healthcare: problems and potential solutions to a system in crisis. Geraadpleegd op 17 februari 2018, van https://doi.org/10.1093/annonc/mdx136

ZorgWijzer. (2016, oktober). Hoe is de zorgverzekering in andere landen geregeld. Geraadpleegd op 17 februari 2018, van https://www.zorgwijzer.nl/zorgverzekering-2014/hoe-is-de-zorgverzekering-in-andere-landen-geregeld