Hpa 522 : Leadership In Assessment Answers

When considering all aspects of health care, I think it’s important to consider health care as only one contributor to overall health. The World Health Organization (WHO, 1946) defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”. In their constitution (WHO, 2046) the WHO went on to assert that health is a fundamental right, of value to all, essential to peace and prosperity, and the responsibility of the government. The United States (U.S.) government has no such specific statement regarding health, but does say in its fundamental Declaration of Independence (1776) that all men are created equal and endowed with the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and that governments are instituted to secure these rights. It seems indisputable to me that these rights are meaningless without the inclusion of optimal health and accessibility of health care as one component. Most governments in the world, including such countries as Cuba, have the political will to make health and health care a priority (Lamardi, 2014). The U.S. Government has the responsibility to develop a system to afford health and health care to all its citizens. The only way this is possible is to offer universal healthcare for all citizens.

Answer:

You have rightly stated in your article that the value of health care should prevail within all countries, in accordance to the definition of health provided by the WHO. It was also mentioned that the US government does not state any such statements related to health in their government policies however there are mention of such statements in the Fundamental Declaration of Independence (1776). You have shown real concern towards the citizens of the country as the rights that are mentioned in the declaration is meaningless, if it is not implemented while government policy developments. This can be implemented by making health services universally accessible. In the article you have also put forward that financing health care for all may seem costly but once the benefit is seen of keeping the people healthier, it will pay off. This is justified since all the citizens are healthy then the workforce of the country will be strengthened thus benefitting the country. You highlighted the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act which enables the citizens to visit the health facilities only in cases of minor illness. This does take a toll on the community as more individuals are denied proper health care facilities. It was very thoughtful of you to mention the fact of long term benefits that the government would receive by keeping its citizens healthy. The article also successfully puts forward other problems in the health system which are expensive drugs, inaccessible health services and expensive administrative. Throughout the article you have been sensitive and compassionate towards the US citizens and rightfully demanded health-care reforms for the betterment of the prevailing conditions, which has impressed me as a reader.

Reference:

Administration, V. (2018). Veterans Health Administration. Retrieved from https://www.va.gov/health/

Rice, T., Rosenau, P., Unruh, L. Y., Barnes, A. J., & Saltman, R. B. (2013). United States of America: health system review. Health systems in transition, 15(3), 1-431.