There is no shortage of comparisons between the US and other countries’ healthcare systems. Other nations have developed approaches to healthcare by developing policies that are fundamentally different to the US; however, there are times when there are similarities. For this week’s discussion, review the following video, which gives an overview of Iceland’s healthcare systemLinks to an external site., how it is financed, and how that relates to national policies. Once you have reviewed the presentation, please choose a country (other than the US or Iceland) to discuss. Include the following information categories that can influence healthcare policy for your selected country: The country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the percentage of the GDP spent on healthcare How the healthcare system is financed Ratio of physicians to general population Legislative approval required for a policy to be passed What do these statistics likely tell us about the country in terms of healthcare initiatives, problems, and proposed policies? Do you see elements of this country’s healthcare approach and policies that are applicable to the US system? If so, in what ways? Please discuss and support your position using appropriate resources. Note: The following are not examples of substantive contributions: Thanking, agreeing with, or complimenting a classmate. Providing irrelevant commentary. 2 peer responses Valai KarwolorJun 12, 2024Jun 12 at 8:18pmManage Discussion EntryGDP is an essential indicator of a country’s economic power. In 2022, Brazil’s gross domestic product amounted to around 1.95 trillion U.S. dollars. Brazil, a shining example in the healthcare market of Latin America, demonstrates its commitment to healthcare by spending 9.47% of its GDP on healthcare, which represents US$161 billion. This significant investment has led to a robust and diverse healthcare system, with 62% of Brazil’s 7,191 hospitals being private. In 2020, public expenditure on health accounted for 4.62% of gross domestic product (GDP) and 10.77% of total public expenditure, while out-of-pocket spending on health accounted for 22.39%. These figures reflect the remarkable success of Brazil’s healthcare system, offering a beacon of hope and potential insights for the US system.Brazil’s Unified Healthcare System (SUS) is the sole provider of health services to approximately 72% of the population, according to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). In addition to medical diagnostics and treatment, the public system provides free medication for some chronic diseases and promotes national vaccination programs, primarily focused on the elderly and children. It has also played a significant role in COVID-19 vaccination programs nationwide. The Ministry of Health, a key player in the system, has been regulating and encouraging the expansion at the municipal level of Integrative and Complementary Health Practices (PICS), which consists of therapeutic approaches that aim to prevent health problems, promote and recover health, emphasize welcome listening, the construct of therapeutic bonds and the connection between human beings, the environment, and society. Approximately 50.7 million Brazilians have access to the private healthcare system. Brazil’s decentralized, universal public health system is funded with tax revenues and contributions from federal, state, and municipal governments. The Brazilian healthcare system is characterized by having one of the most ambitious health programs in the world. Since the end of the 1980s, the country has provided its citizens with a universal healthcare scheme known as Sistema Único da Saúde (SUS). Financed by the federal government and local municipalities, the project supports Brazilians by eliminating bureaucratic and budgetary constraints. Authorities rely on complementary programs such as the Programa Saúde da Família (PSF) and Mais Médicos for addressing special needs identified among the most vulnerable communities, for instance, While there are 2.3 doctors per thousand in Brazil, there are capitals with more than 12 doctors per 1,000 population (Vitória, in Espírito Santo, for example) and regions with values below one doctor per 1,000 population. On a state level, the FCM specialist per 1,000 population ratio ranges from 0.4 in Maranhão in the Northeast region to 1.6 in Rio de Janeiro. Overall, the North region of Brazil gathers only 4.6% of all FCM specialists, while the South and Southeast regions gather almost 75% of all FCM specialists.Health legislation in Brazil is produced according to the country’s prevailing democratic rule of law and is mainly passed by Congress and regulated by the Federal Executive Branch. Direct popular participation is indispensable and tempers the exercise of power by the branches as mentioned above. The country has a universal healthcare system that theoretically covers all citizens, and the government has made significant investments in expanding access to healthcare services in rural areas and other underserved regions.There are elements of the Brazilian healthcare approach and policies that could be beneficial for the US. Brazil’s Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA) is the counterpart of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and effectively regulates all health-related products. While certain low-risk products may be exempt from registration, having a local importer or distributor for product liability is mandatory. It is recommended that foreign companies have technical staff and replacement parts available locally for customer support. Quality meeting regulation standards is also essential. Companies must meet all sanitary registration requirements to sell to the government. This stringent regulatory system, a testament to Brazil’s commitment to healthcare quality, ensures the safety and quality of healthcare products in Brazil. Similarly, in the US, according to the FDA requirements, imported foods must be pure, wholesome, safe to eat, and produced under hygienic conditions; drugs and devices must be safe and effective; cosmetics must be safe for their intended use and properly labeled; radiation-emitting devices must meet established standards. This comparison highlights Brazil’s health regulatory system’s effectiveness and potential implications for the US.Brazil – country profile. (2023, August 21). Health in the Americas. https://hia.paho.org/en/countries-22/brazil-country-profileLinks to an external site.Home. (n.d.). https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/sites/189077f3-en/index.html?itemId=/content/component/189077f3-en#:~:text=While%20overall%20there%20are%202.3,.%2C%202018%5B1%5DLinks to an external site.). and Molly PalmerSundayJun 16 at 7:41pmManage Discussion EntryOverview of France’s Healthcare SystemGross Domestic Product (GDP) and Healthcare Spending GDP: France’s GDP in 2019 was approximately $2.72 trillion. Healthcare Spending: France spends about 11.2% of its GDP on healthcare, which translates to approximately $4,690 per capita. Healthcare System Financing France operates a mixed public-private healthcare system. The majority of healthcare costs are funded through a combination of mandatory health insurance contributions from employers and employees, and government funding. Citizens contribute to a national health insurance fund through payroll taxes. The government covers the healthcare costs for the unemployed and low-income individuals. Private insurance is also available and often used to cover costs not reimbursed by the public system, such as co-payments or elective procedures. Physician to Population Ratio France has approximately 32 doctors per 10,000 inhabitants, indicating a relatively high availability of medical professionals compared to many other countries. Legislative Approval for Policy Passage In France, the legislative process involves both houses of the Parliament: the National Assembly and the Senate. A proposed healthcare policy must be approved by a majority vote in both houses. The President of France can also play a role in influencing healthcare policy through executive orders and decrees, particularly in emergency situations. Analysis of Healthcare Statistics and PoliciesHealthcare Initiatives and Problems France’s high physician-to-population ratio suggests strong access to medical professionals, contributing to high standards of care and patient satisfaction. The mixed public-private financing system ensures broad coverage and access to healthcare services, while private insurance helps to manage out-of-pocket costs for patients. Despite the robust system, France faces challenges such as maintaining sustainable funding for its healthcare system, managing rising healthcare costs, and addressing disparities in access to care in rural versus urban areas. Comparison to the US System Universal Coverage: One of the key aspects of France’s healthcare system that could be beneficial for the US is the concept of universal coverage. Ensuring that all citizens have access to healthcare services could improve public health outcomes and reduce the financial burden of medical expenses on individuals. Mixed Financing Model: The mixed financing model in France, where both public funds and private insurance play roles, could be adapted to create a more balanced system in the US. This could help cover more people while managing costs and providing a safety net for those who are unemployed or have low income. Government Regulation: France’s strict regulation and oversight of healthcare services and prices help control costs and ensure quality care. Implementing similar regulatory measures in the US could help manage healthcare costs and improve care standards. France’s healthcare system, with its high level of public funding, extensive coverage, and high physician availability, offers several lessons that could be applicable to the US. Emphasizing universal coverage, adopting a mixed financing model, and enhancing government regulation are potential strategies that the US could explore to improve its healthcare system. These initiatives could address some of the persistent issues in the US, such as high costs, unequal access, and variable quality of care.References World Bank. (2020). GDP (current US$) – France. Retrieved from World Bank Data Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). (2020). Health spending. Retrieved from OECD Data French Ministry of Solidarity and Health. (2020). The French health care system. Retrieved from French Government