I was talking with Mack today about China's unemployment and crime problems and thought an article on the healthcare system of China would be interesting. Many people complain about our current healthcare and although I sometimes agree, I also think some of them take it for granted. And after my visit to China, I'm leaning more towards the second thought.
Due to infections and other medical misfortunes, I've had the chance to experience China's healthcare system in person during my trip this year and my trip 4 years ago. One of the differences I noticed is that your medical needs are streamlined. Here, you goto one place to see a family doctor, another place to buy your prescriptions, and if its more serious, you goto a hospital to see a more specialized doctor. In China, everything is located in one place. Family doctors, surgeons, specialists and drug stores are all located in the hospital. So from the most minor need to the most severe, you're probably heading to the hospital. But the real difference is how you are treated. In China, you have to first purchase a ticket to see a doctor. No ticket, no doctor. And ironically, it is the doctors who enforce this law. I remember 4 years ago I came down with a serious stomache flu and was on the verge of passing out and what I remembered in my daze state was someone asking us “did you purchase your ticket?”. Furthermore, each doctor costs a different amount. The better the doctor the more it will cost and it is up to you to decide which doctor you want to see (or afford). This year, I visited a fairly new hospital and entered the building via the emergency doors (I only entered there because it was the door closest to us). There was a reception desk with a large sign that said “Emergency booking and finance”. Seems to me even during emergencies your life does not necessarily take priority. Did I also mention the reception was unattended? Anyhow, after buying my ticket I went to a large waiting room with an electronic billboard displaying which doctor was serving which ticket number. If I remember correctly, I was in the six thousandish. Nuts!! To summarize China's healthcare system, I would have to say it is cold hearted but efficient.
So next time you complain about Canada's healthcare system, think about other countries! At least you won't get your hospital bed yanked from you if you can't pay the daily fee.