National Public Radio featured a terrific story on Taiwan’s Universal Health Care System yesterday. It goes on to talk about how Taiwan’s health plan was formed from a variety of ideas gleaned from various health care systems around the world. Based on equal access for everyone, Taiwan’s health care system is top-notch and continues to be a health care system Taiwan can be proud of. The system is currently suffering some financial strain, but Taiwan’s politicians are hesitant to increase premiums for fear of upsetting voters. Taiwan spends 6.23 percent of its GDP each year on health care. In comparison, the United States spends 16 percent.
In light of my recent health care woes, I found this story particularly intriguing as I have been a frequent visitor in the doctor’s office all winter.
I am constantly impressed with the quality of health care service I receive here. Patients are looked after quickly, efficiently and at a minimum cost. I can see a doctor at anytime. I am free to choose any doctor of my liking and I never have to wait. I pay a basic fee of $150NT ($4.95 US), which includes my visit with the doctor, prescription drugs and any other special medical services I might need. Best of all, when I needed special attention, I was able to find it.
In Canada, being on a waiting lists to see a specialist can take months. The health care I receive here is one of the highlights of living in Taiwan and I consider myself very fortunate to be here. Just recently, I was given my first correct diagnosis since I was a child. I would be paying a small fortune in medical bills back home and shudder to think how long I’d have to wait to get my medical issue addressed. I wish more countries would adopt a health care system like Taiwan’s.
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Did you see the Bunk study stating 2/3 of doctors in America want National Health Care. The doctors who did this study also conducted one in 2002 and found that the majority of doctors did not want national health care, the problem with this is that the 2 question surveys drastically differ in there 2nd question. I found this article, 60% of Physicians Surveyed Oppose Switching to a National Health Care Plan, It’s worth a read
[...] My Several Worlds on Taiwan's health care system. [...]
Matt, I didn’t see it. Thanks for letting me know about it.
You know Carrie, I’ve never seen a man who has praised a Health Service. I’ve never supposed that Taiwan can have such a good system. I always thought that medical care is universal problem everywhere.
By the way Canadian’s Health Care System reminds me system which is in Poland. First you have to wait for a long time. If you want you can get private medical care but it’s costs and after that in every instance you always spend a lot of money buying medications.
We have been having a new present government since October last year. Introduction of new system of medical care needs time. I think we can only have a hope that it will be as far as possible short period.
K.
Ha ha. That’s true. You don’t often hear people praising health care. I honestly believe the health care system here is great. You can’t just walk into a doctor’s office back home and expect to see a doctor. You have to book an appointment or go to a free clinic. I’ve never been to a free clinic in Canada, so I can’t comment on them. However, without proper health coverage, prescriptions costs are through the roof. It’s ridiculous.
I live in New York State where most of us have state health care. It is a nightmare. Just to get a dental cleaning, we have to wait 6 to 8 months. Doctors here hate the system and are either refusing to take it or leaving the state.
Our taxes are through the roof (what roof we have left) and there is massive fraud. I just don’t see it working nationally in the US.
I shudder when I think of national health care.
Mrs. Mecomber,
One of the things I’m concerned about when we move back to the States is dealing with health care. We will have to do a lot of investigating before making our decision. I have to admit, it’s a scary one to make. Here in Taiwan, I can get the help I need immediately. I’m terrified of what will happen when I go back to Canada or the U.S. I wonder how long I’ll have to wait before I get in to see a specialist. Needless to say, I want to have a firm grip and understanding on my health problems before returning to North America.
Hello there! Your blog really helped me out on a couple things… I’m doing a paper on Taiwan’s health care system vs. the very broken US system at the Univ. of California Santa Cruz. I’m of Taiwanese descent, but born in the US (you’ve probably heard the term “ABC-American Born Chinese” since you’re living in Taiwan). I was searching online and your blog popped up. I will most likely use your testimony in my paper since you also mention Canada (my class examined the Canadian Health care system too).
I also took a look at your photo journal of the haunted pod village–awesome, scary, and all together beautiful! From there, I took a look at the Canon camera your pics were shot from. I have a Senior social documentation project I have to do and would love to get a nice camera! Is the Canon Rebel worth the money as I’m a student limited in funds? I would love the feedback! Thanks
Peace,
Kelly Hsu, Santa Cruz, California, USA
Hi Kelly,
Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. Please feel free to use my testimony. I don’t mind. I think other countries could definitely benefit from adopting a health care system like Taiwan’s. Good luck with your research!
Regarding your question about camera equipment. I love my Digital Rebel 400D. It’s a terrific camera, but I also get A LOT of mileage from my digital point and shoot, which is also a Canon. In fact, I just purchased the 400D in February and up until then, most of my photos were taken with my Canon IXUS 65. I paid $300 for it last year and it produces terrific photos as well. Actually, the photos are so good that most people can’t tell the difference. I’ve tagged all my articles with the type of camera I use, so be sure to check out the point and shoot as well. It might save you a bundle in the long run until you get over your student financial woes. Good luck!
[...] NPR on Taiwan’s Health Care System leading to Taiwan Takes Fast Track to Universal Health Care [...]
I agree, the Taiwan health care is way better than north america, I was born there, and grew up there, until i moved to US, so i can tell the difference.
Although you may think that Taiwan health care is way better, the quality of it is worse than before. The health care system refuse to pay certain drugs, so the doctors can only use limited number of drugs to patient treatment. Most patients are naive to think that they get the best quality service they ever get without knowing most of the drugs they are getting are just Vitamin B or placible. This is certainly unfair to the patient, and also unfair to the doctors; because if a doctor think that the patient need extra pills and use the out-of-norm drug, the health care system would refuse to pay the doctor and resulting the doctor having to pay for it. Well, who cares about the doctors right?? This will also cause the smaller clinic to close, and everyone running to the bigger hospital because of the shortage to doctors and doctor-and-patient relationship will only remain a practical reason.