The healthcare system is crucial for any country and is often a yardstick to measure the level of development attained by that country. Norway, Finland, Sweden, Netherlands, United Kingdom boast of high-quality healthcare in Europe. Among the Asian countries, Singapore, Japan, and South Korea have extremely good healthcare facilities available to the citizens. Canada and Australia are also not far behind when it comes to adequate healthcare infrastructure. Better healthcare facilities also ensure a high level of human development and improve life expectancy rates significantly. Let’s take a look at some of these countries to better comprehend their improved healthcare facilities.
Countries With The Best Health Care Systems, 2024
1.🇹🇼 Taiwan
2.🇰🇷 South Korea
3.🇦🇺 Australia
4.🇨🇦 Canada
5.🇸🇪 Sweden
6.🇮🇪 Ireland
7.🇳🇱 Netherlands
8.🇩🇪 Germany
9.🇳🇴 Norway
10.🇮🇱 Israel
(CEOWORLD magazine)
— World Index (@theworldindex) April 27, 20241. Norway
Norway has the finest healthcare facilities in the world, thanks to its universal healthcare coverage. It is known for constantly outperforming others in the Human Development Index (HDI). They are automatically enrolled in the public healthcare system regardless of employment status, which reduces out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure. Health and Social Services Ombudsman is in place in Norway, which provides guidance related to healthcare rights and services. They work independently of the healthcare provider authorities to maintain transparency.
Moreover, Norway has invested heavily in premium healthcare facilities with the employment of advanced technology and staff training. Offering competitive salaries to medical staff as well as providing a high quality of life ensures better talent retention as healthcare professionals from around the world are attracted to the country, which again contributes to the best quality healthcare.
2. Finland
Another Nordic country to top the list is Finland with its highly skilled healthcare professionals, well-trained nurses and doctors. They are adequately trained in technology as well as Finland is a health technology superpower with a focus on revolutionising patient care and well-being. Tax-funded healthcare facilities are accessible to all residents irrespective of their nationality. It offers a mix of public, private, and employee healthcare services as municipalities are actively involved in developing, organising, and running both primary and specialised medical care services. Besides, all employers in Finland are responsible for ensuring voluntary preventative healthcare screenings for their employees.
Apart from these, private healthcare facilities are available for specialized treatments at fixed fees prescribed by the Government. In addition to that, National Health Insurance is also a part of the Finnish social security system, and the Kela card provided by the Social Insurance Institution of Finland is in place to reimburse out-of-pocket healthcare expenses. By rule, all permanent residents of Finland are covered under the country’s NHI scheme, including residents who moved there just for work.
3. Sweden
Sweden boasts of one of the best healthcare providers in the world and it also features some of the best hospitals in the world, including the Karolinska University Hospital. Decentralization of the healthcare system has been crucial for its success as this helps in better coordination and careful monitoring of the ground reality. Â Healthcare responsibility has been divided among the regional councils and local councils or municipal governments.
The National Board of Health and Welfare is a government agency under the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs that is responsible for compiling information and developing standards to ensure good health, social welfare and high-quality health and social care for the whole population. The success of Sweden’s healthcare facilities is also attributed to large public spending on healthcare, which is almost 11% of its GDP.
4. Netherlands
The Netherlands is known for providing one of the best healthcare facilities, thanks to its robust healthcare insurance system, which made healthcare accessible to everyone, residents and citizens alike. The Dutch Government also provides subsidies to low-income individuals to make healthcare affordable to everyone. Moreover, highly skilled health professional and improved quality of living helps in the improvement of overall health facilities. Patient-centric care model adopted by the country has been a major contributor. Also, technological advancement and massive public spending on healthcare have contributed to its major success.
5. Singapore
Singapore ranked first in the world with a health index score of 86.9 in 2023. It is made possible by the universal health coverage system. MediShield is the basic health insurance system that is responsible for bearing large medical bills. It also has MediSave in place which is a compulsory personal medical fund that’s arranged from income tax. Apart from the two, there is MediFund, which is an endowment fund that targets Singaporeans who are out of the coverage of MediShield and MediSave. All this has contributed to Singapore achieving one of the highest life expectancy rates and making it the best healthcare provider in Asia.
6. Japan
Japan’s universal health coverage is made possible through a mandatory health insurance system. One of the finest healthcare facility providers in the world, Japan’s healthcare system is tax-funded and also relies on individual contributions to a small extent. Employment-based or residence-based health insurance plans enroll individuals and provide benefits like hospital, primary, specialty, and mental health care, along with prescription drugs. This reduces out-of-pocket health expenditures. Moreover, technologically advanced Japan relies on advanced technology to ensure a regional delivery system. A synchronized electronic health record of the citizens helps in better management of patient data and tailors the treatment facilities based on collected data.
FAQ
1. What are the key factors contributing to Norway’s top-ranked healthcare system?
Norway’s universal healthcare coverage, substantial investment in healthcare infrastructure, and a strong emphasis on attracting and retaining skilled healthcare professionals are the primary factors. Additionally, the country’s focus on patient rights and transparency through the Health and Social Services Ombudsman ensures high-quality care.
2. How does Finland’s decentralized healthcare system work?
Finland’s healthcare system is a mix of public, private, and employee-based services. Municipalities play a crucial role in organizing and delivering both primary and specialized care. This decentralized approach allows for flexibility and responsiveness to local needs.
3. What makes Sweden’s healthcare system so effective?
Sweden’s healthcare system benefits from a combination of factors, including a decentralized structure, significant public spending on healthcare, and the National Board of Health and Welfare’s role in setting standards and monitoring quality. The Karolinska University Hospital is a renowned institution contributing to the country’s healthcare excellence.
4. How does the Netherlands ensure affordable healthcare for its citizens?
The Netherlands has a robust healthcare insurance system that provides coverage to all residents. The government also offers subsidies to low-income individuals, making healthcare accessible to everyone. Additionally, the country’s emphasis on patient-centric care and technological advancements contribute to its high-quality healthcare system.
5. What are the key components of Singapore’s healthcare system?
Singapore’s healthcare system is built on three pillars: MediShield, MediSave, and MediFund. MediShield provides basic health insurance coverage, MediSave is a compulsory personal medical savings account, and MediFund is an endowment fund for those not covered by the other two. This comprehensive approach ensures that Singaporeans have access to quality healthcare.
6. How does Japan’s healthcare system balance public and private sectors?
Japan’s healthcare system is primarily tax-funded but also relies on individual contributions to health insurance. Employment-based or residence-based health insurance plans cover a wide range of healthcare services, including hospital care, primary care, specialized care, and mental health care.
