The Risk and Benefits of Free Healthcare
The biggest worry with the free healthcare system is the rapid growth in the number
of patients, which makes one question how the government-run system would fare if funds
are few. Or will services be reduced? Will they instead be charged extra for services? Or does
it actually benefit people, or is it just another marketing strategy?
What are the Advantages of Free Healthcare?
● Free Health Care Lowers Costs
When compared to the free-market system, free healthcare services significantly
reduce costs. Essentially, you won't have to pay the doctor's cost. Every therapy you receive
is free of charge. This implies that even those who cannot afford to pay the fees can receive
services of the same quality.
●
Free Health Care improve Child Health
When parents are given financial incentives, children from all socioeconomic
backgrounds have access to health care. As a consequence, they are immune to many
ailments, allowing them to live a better life and contribute to societal growth.
● Free Healthcare Boosts the Economy
Countries with more affordable healthcare have a better economy and vice versa.
Every citizen has access to health services since healthcare is provided for free.
● Free Healthcare Saves Lives
Many people who may be unable to pay for health care, even in severe conditions, can
simply seek treatment at a hospital.
What are the Disadvantages of Free Health Care?
● Free Healthcare Can Degrade Quality of Service
When healthcare services become free, the number of patients will skyrocket. This
means that their focus shifts from accurately identifying patients to treating as many as
possible. As a result, the quality of service suffers greatly.
● Free Healthcare Makes People Irresponsible
People are more prone to overlook their health when financial incentives are
presented. People begin to live an unhealthy lifestyle instead of focusing on being active and
eating properly. Simply, because people have convenient access to free healthcare services
in the event of an emergency.
● Free Healthcare Results in Longer Waiting Period
As a result of the free healthcare system, hospitals are overcrowded. You may have to
wait several weeks to see a specialist.
In conclusion, it is impossible to ignore the importance of having access to health care.
However, there are many who argue the opposite. It is impossible to deny that free
healthcare diminishes service quality and causes consumers to be less concerned about their
health.
Citation:
Bazyar, M., Yazdi-Feyzabadi, V., Rahimi, N., & Rashidian, A. (2020). What are the potential
advantages and disadvantages of merging health insurance funds? A qualitative policy analysis from Iran.
BMC public health, 20(1), 1315. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-09417-7