ADVINCULA, ERRYL JUSTINE O.

BSN 4-1

Health Care System Across Different Countries

AUSTRALIA AND CANADA

Comparing and contrasting

In contrast to Canada, Australia's healthcare system mostly depends on an unregulated, private

healthcare industry to provide medical services to the general public. Even though everyone is covered
by the public insurance system, the government actively encourages people to buy private insurance
through measures like a surcharge on income taxes for high earners without private insurance, lifetime
community rating to protect the elderly and sick from paying exorbitant private insurance premiums,
lifetime price reductions for early adopters of private health insurance, and premium rebates. With its
Medicare program, Canada's healthcare system offers universal coverage on a single-payer basis. All
citizens and permanent residents are eligible for critical medical treatments under this government-
funded insurance program. Australia, in comparison, has a hybrid approach while still offering universal
coverage through Medicare. Medicare is the mainstay of public healthcare, but in Australia, financial
incentives are used to promote private health insurance, resulting in a combination of public and private
healthcare providers. There are notable differences in how healthcare is financed in the two countries.
The primary source of funding for Canada's healthcare system is federal and local taxes. Healthcare
budgets are set, which can lead to problems with resource distribution and wait times for elective
procedures. In contrast, general taxes, a Medicare levy, and money from private health insurance
premiums are how Australia pays for its healthcare system. A more varied financial base is made possible
by this hybrid strategy. Wait times and the availability of healthcare treatments are two important areas
of difference. Due to a lack of resources and strong demand, Canada is notoriously faced with lengthy
wait periods for elective procedures and expert consultations. In contrast, elective surgery wait times in
public hospitals in Australia are typically shorter. But private insurance holders in Australia often have
access to experts and non-emergency operations faster, illustrating the differences between the public
and private sectors.
STRENGTH AND CHALLENGES

Strength of Canada

1. Canada is proud of its universal healthcare system, which gives all citizens and
permanent residents of the country access to necessary medical treatments via
Medicare. This guarantees that everyone's essential healthcare needs are satisfied,
regardless of their financial situation and promotes equity.

2. With top-notch education available from primary to postsecondary levels, Canada is well
known for its educational system. Canada is home to some of the world's best
universities, drawing in international students looking for a top-tier education.

3. Canada embraces its multiculturalism, accepting many populations and fostering

inclusivity. This diversity of cultures promotes tolerance and understanding and helps to
create a lively society.

4. The nation is proud of its breathtaking natural settings and environmental preservation
initiatives. Canada has demonstrated its environmental consciousness by its dedication
to safeguarding its biodiversity and natural resources.
Challenges of Canada:

1. Canada struggles with lengthy wait times for elective surgeries and expert
appointments, even with its universal healthcare system. This can have a detrimental
effect on patient outcomes and happiness.

2. In order to remedy the past injustices committed against Indigenous peoples, Canada
must overcome obstacles such as those pertaining to land rights, socioeconomic
inequality, and institutional prejudice.

3. Major cities such as Vancouver and Toronto are seeing rising housing prices, making
homeownership increasingly out of reach for many Canadians, particularly younger
generations.

Strengths of Australia:

1. Australia's hybrid healthcare strategy mixes the public and commercial sectors, giving
universal coverage through Medicare while also offering private insurance choices.
Because of this duality, a greater choice of treatments and reduced wait times for
various medical procedures are available.

2. Australia is abundant in natural resources such as minerals, metals, and agricultural

products, which contribute considerably to the country's economy and global trade.

3. The nation has a high level of living, and places like Sydney and Melbourne are regularly
listed as some of the world's most livable cities. Australians benefit from excellent
healthcare and education systems, as well as a great work-life balance.

4. Like Canada, Australia fosters a society that welcomes people from many backgrounds
and cultures by celebrating its multiculturalism.
 Challenges of Australia:

1. Australia has to deal with environmental problems, such as those brought on by

deforestation, climate change, and threats to biodiversity, as demonstrated by the
devastating wildfires that have struck the nation.

2. Like Canada, Australia is dealing with historical mistreatment of Indigenous peoples and
is working to resolve concerns related to land rights, socioeconomic inequality, and
cultural acknowledgment..

3. In Australia, many people, particularly young people, find it difficult to enter the
property market due to major cities' high living expenses and lack of affordable homes.