| Description |
Serious problems exist within the U.S. health care system. Despite spending more money per capita than any other nation in the world, the U.S. ranks behind many industrialized countries in basic health indicators such as the infant mortality rate and life expectancy. Economic interests within the health care industry have embraced a biomedical model of medicine which is highly technical and highly profitable, but has not serviced the needs of the population as a whole. The developing world presents an alternative approach to public health. Despite limited economic resources, Third World nations with strong public health programs have been able to substantially improve the health of their populations. Successful efforts to improve health in developing countries have applicability in the United States where, in spite of significant spending, economic and political interests have limited the distribution of health services. Educational programs, community involvement, and the utilization of mid-level practitioners have been critical to improving health in developing countries, and the U.S. could benefit from the increased emphasis of these fundamental health practices. Health education is a relatively cost-effective and efficient means of bettering health which has been underutilized in the U.S. Technology has been received as the answer to better health, but so far highly technical medicine has serviced the minority while significantly increasing costs for the majority. Finally, more consideration for the dynamics of local communities will improve the effectiveness of federal policies, and create a more equitable distribution of health care in the U.S. |
