Is the free healthcare still what it promised in 1948?
By Abinav Sivaraman
“If access to healthcare is considered a human right, who is considered human enough to have that right?”
-Paul Farmer
One of the key concerns about free market healthcare is the unequal access to care it creates. The market operates on the principles of supply and demand, which means that those with the highest need for care may not be able to afford it. This is particularly concerning for those with chronic conditions or disabilities, who often require the most care and have the least resources to pay for it. This means that the implementations of the coffee market system may force those with chronic conditions to be left behind and may reduce the standard of living due to the lack of attention from the healthcare system due to the implementation of this free market system .Additionally, the elderly and low-income populations may be left behind in a free market system, where they are unable to negotiate favourable prices for their care due to their current state of income or living status.
Finally, a free market healthcare system could have a negative impact on the quality of care delivered. In a system where providers compete for patients, quality may become a secondary concern as providers focus on attracting patients with lower prices. This could result in a decline in the overall quality of care, as providers cut corners to remain competitive and profitable. These cutting of corners may be detrimental to the hospital as it could mean that the money would be invested in sectors that would attract patients instead of patient care, for example patient beds and rooms . In the UK even we can see that there is a shortage of beds and rooms everywhere you may visit which is an issue for those patients who are already on either emotional or physician distress .
People vs Prices…
In recent years, the idea of a free market healthcare system has gained traction as a potential solution to rising healthcare costs and perceived inefficiencies in the traditional model. In current society the model that has been implemented has led to lot of problems with rising prices in places such as the USA. Those who are in favour of free market healthcare argue that by introducing competition and consumer choice, the quality of healthcare will improve and costs will decrease. However, while this idea is favourable for lots of parties when it comes to healthcare, the reality is that it is far more complicated to implement and raises important questions about the cost of this type of system and how it may function in modern society.
One of the main advantages of free market healthcare is that it promotes competition among healthcare providers. With more providers competing for patients, prices are kept low, and consumers are given greater choice when it comes to selecting a provider. In addition, the free market approach can lead to greater innovation, as providers look for new and innovative ways to meet the needs of patients, With increased innovations and research it may allow patients to be given more Experimental and innovative medicine that may be used in the future to helps millions who may be affected by the illness or disability . This could result in a overall increase in mortality rate allowing potentially life saving drugs to be developed with this free market system being implemented . This can result in more efficient and effective healthcare delivery, as providers are incentivised to offer the highest quality care at the lowest cost.
Another cost of a free market healthcare system is the potential for increased healthcare spending. When healthcare is viewed as a commodity, the price of services and treatments may rise as providers seek to maximise profits from multiple fields such as pharmacology or radiology which would allow each individual firm or hospital to set their own prices higher . This may lead to a situation where patients are unable to afford the care they need, or are forced to compromise on the quality of care they receive. A free market healthcare system also puts pressure on healthcare providers to prioritise profits over patients. In such a system, providers may be incentivised to prioritise procedures and treatments that generate the most revenue, rather than those that are in the best interest of the patient. This could lead to a situation where patients receive treatments that are not medically necessary, or are subjected to unnecessary tests and procedures. This idea can be seen as being ethically wrong in many ways , prioritising the benefit of the firm instead of the patient goes against the morals that doctors follow . Quoting the Hippocratic Oath “I will use my power to help the sick to the best of my ability and judgement; I will abstain from harming or wronging any man by it”, looking at the very oath that doctors abide to we can see that looking at patients as a means to make more money than caring for them to the best of their ability without any ill intent goes against this very statement.
While the concept of free market healthcare may seem appealing, it is important to consider the potential costs of such a system. The unequal access to care, increased healthcare spending, pressure on providers to prioritise profits over patients, and potential decline in quality of care are all serious concerns that must be addressed. Before advocating for a free market healthcare system, it is essential to consider the impact it could have on the health and well-being of those it is meant to serve.
It is crucial to strike a balance between the principles of a free market and the access to affordable, quality healthcare for all. Any changes to the healthcare system must take into account the potential consequences and ensure that the health and well-being of patients remains the top priority as money should never be higher than the welfare of the patients themselves.