Health System in Singapore-Free-Samples -Myassignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about the Health System in Singapore. Answer: Singapore is an island country and has achieved extraordinary outcomes in efficient healthcare quality. This essay will give an overview of the Singapore health system. According to the WHO, a well-functioning healthcare system should balance the needs and expectations of the population by meeting several criteria (Who.int, 2017). Singapore meets the criteria of improving the health status of families and individuals by publicly financing healthcare that anchors the twin philosophy of affordable healthcare and individual responsibility. Funding healthcare coverage through tax-financed government subsidies, financing schemes and insurance programs like Medishield and Medifund, play a critical role. Presence of multilayered financing schemes, outpatient specialist care services and public hospitals meet the second criteria of protecting people against financial consequences of ill-health (International.commonwealthfund.org, 2017). The Singapore healthcare system provides equitable access to people-centred care by financing primary care services that generally serve the lower-income population. Multidisciplinary shared care teams are also organized to provide care and treatment to the mentally ill in the community. Moreover, it encourages low-wage workers to save for their retirement to have better access to care (International.commonwealthfund.org, 2017). The final criteria of defending population against threats is met by financing long-term and social support of the elderly and creating blueprints for educating and preventing, early detection and treatment of individuals facing emotional difficulties and those at-risk. It is also employing private health insurances to cover chronic health conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. Thus, it can be stated that the Singapore government is assessing the health needs of the population while meeting the standards imposed by the WHO for a well-functioning healthcare system. References International.commonwealthfund.org. (2017).Singapore : International Health Care System Profiles.International.commonwealthfund.org. Retrieved 6 November 2017, from https://international.commonwealthfund.org/countries/singapore/ Who.int. (2017).WHO | Key components of a well functioning health system.Who.int. Retrieved 6 November 2017, from https://www.who.int/healthsystems/publications/hss_key/en/