WHO Framework and Healthcare System of U.K Essay

WHO Framework and Healthcare System of U.K - Essay Example The basic objective of WHO framework (2007) is to strengthen healthcare systems throughout the world so that general health standards of the people can get improved. The paper will study the healthcare system of U.K. keeping in view the basic guidelines as provided in WHO framework and assess its strengths and weaknesses. The paper will also look into the healthcare system of Canada so as to have some comparative viewpoint regarding healthcare services as operating in these two countries. WHO Framework (2007) and Building Blocks There are six building blocks of any health system as prescribed by World Health organisation for an excellent healthcare system in any country. (World Health†¦ 2007) 1. Good Health Services That means safe, effective, and quality health services to all those who need them while making optimum use of resources. 2. An Efficient Health Workforce It is an important building block that should perform well to achieve the best health outcomes. They are compete nt, responsive, and productive to carry out the health functions. There should be sufficient healthcare professionals spread across all the geography. ... t and Leadership Governance and Leadership works towards strategic policy frameworks with proper regulation and effective oversight coupled with proper accountability. Judging UK Healthcare Services from above Criteria U.K.’s National Health System follows (NHS) the Beveridge Model of healthcare to provide healthcare services to its citizens. The NHS is a government-run institution that takes care of all its citizens and provides them doctors, clinics and hospitals. Since citizens do not pay any bills, it does not put any undue financial burden on the citizens including the treatment taken for any critical illness. In this system, the patients are always at ease for they get healthcare services through government funding and they need not spend anything from their own pockets. The advantage of the model is that each and every citizen gets medical treatment free of charge regardless of their economic status and kind of illness. Patients need not pay hefty insurance premiums for the various health issue coverage as found in the countries like U.S.; however, the UK government does charge 17 percent sales tax to cover up healthcare expenses for its countrymen. The disadvantage with the Beveridge model is that it does not provide any motivation to the physician for they cannot charge (Hamilton 2009). U.K being a developed country is good on availability of vaccines, medical products and in health related technologies. Vaccines are usually available as and when need arises in all parts of the country. Certain shortages of branded drugs in U.K has been attributed to European Union trade laws, under which medicines from UK cannot be prevented from export to other countries of Europe. The Department of Health in its last meeting with manufacturers and suppliers has taken