And, The Rest of the World?
I’ve just returned from a visit overseas. At times, it is useful to step back from the issues of the day – in Washington, DC – to consider the focus of other places. Here’s a few thoughts...
Slowly but surely, it seems that the economic recovery that is making news this week in the US is also beginning to show throughout the world. On Friday, the front page of the European version of The Wall Street Journal hearalded a return to better times with the headline, “US Economy Returns to Growth.” In the United Kingdom, Shadow Health Secretary Andrew Lansley confirmed there will be a new contract with General Practice physicians if the Conservatives take office which, it seems, is a foregone conclusion. At the same time – outside of media coverage – the British NHS is facing cuts of 20 percent in the coming year. The big issue is how will they manage these cuts? Where will the savings occur? The UK economy continues to struggle despite all of the efforts by Labour to return it to its previous vibrant state.
In Europe, the big news was at the EU Summit meeting on Friday where the various Prime Ministers convened in Brussels. The issue? Who will serve as the new President of Europe? Tony Blair, former Prime Minister of the UK is the front runner, but it appears he’s lacking the unified support of Angela Merkel (Germany) and Nicholas Sarkozy (France). The prime issue: his support of the US on the Iraq conflict, which is not a winner in Europe. There are a number of other contenders. Odds are open at this point, and the final determination for Blair will be determined by Germany and France – which remained open as the weekend approached … The other big news in Europe is the upcoming 20th anniversary on Nov. 9 when the Berlin Wall fell. The papers are filled with the day-to-day events, and individuals who became players in one of the most notable events of the 20th century.
If we think we’re having a big debate on healthcare in the US, you should consider India where the debates are just as significant. The nation is just beginning a national debate on the future of healthcare for the country. It has a chronic shortfall in healthcare resources with only 1.5 beds per 1,000 people, far lower than the average of three to four beds per 1,000 people in other developing economies such as Brazil, China, and South Africa. In the US and Europe, four to eight beds per 1,000 is the norm. They also suffer from lack of people resources with only 0.6 doctors and 0.08 nurses per thousand compared to an international average of 1.2 doctors and 2.6 nurses per 1,000 people. In a nation that’s developing very quickly, the aspirations of the people are beginning to exceed the capabilities of the nation. It will be interesting to watch over the next several years.
China is also working on changes for its ailing health care system. The story in China seems be “déjà vu all over again” where the government is trying to develop an insurance program for the 1.4 billion people. Despite all of its best efforts, more than 300 million people do not have any health insurance. Doesn’t that sound familiar? And, the quality gap is increasing, not decreasing. As an example, Peking University People's Hospital has the latest in computerized charts, scanners, and top-tier physicians, but community clinics in most cities or rural areas are understaffed and poorly equipped. As one travels from place to place, the environment may change, the politics may be different, but the issues seem to be similar. Such are the lessons of international healthcare. But, the biggest news in China is the upcoming visit by President Obama. It’s captured everyone and is the story of the day…
And, the reason for my international travels last week was a trip to Jordan. We (Perot Systems) have been working on developing a nationwide health information system, and we presented the effort for His Majesty, King Abdullah II. While we were on pins and needles, the demo went off flawlessly. It was very exciting to not only meet the King (especially for a kid from North Dakota…) but also to be a participant in the first nationwide HIT effort. And, it’s an open source model using the Veteran’s Administration’s VistA software. The demo clearly showed that – together – we can make this work…
The views and opinions expressed herein are my own and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Dell Services or its affiliates.
|