Date of Award

4-1979

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

First Advisor

John McClusky

Second Advisor

Lawrence M. Millner

Abstract

This thesis explores the concept of equitable healthcare access by comparing health systems in Sweden, Great Britain, the Soviet Union, and China, providing insights into their structures, policies, and outcomes. The analysis focuses on four critical aspects: hospitals, doctors’ practice locations, payment mechanisms, and accessibility. It highlights Sweden’s state-supported insurance system, which combines public planning with private enterprise, emphasizing universal accessibility and preventive care. Great Britain’s National Health Service is examined for its universal, tax-funded healthcare model, with an emphasis on general practitioners and community-based care. The Soviet Union’s centralized health system is noted for prioritizing industrial and maternal health, while China’s health model leverages medical care as a tool for societal change, promoting rural access and local health initiatives.

The thesis underscores the challenges faced by these nations, including inequities in access, resource limitations, and rural healthcare delivery. While each system has its strengths, the author argues for the United States to adopt lessons from these international models to improve its own healthcare system. The thesis concludes with recommendations for reforms to enhance equity and efficiency in American healthcare, advocating for a system that balances universal access with sustainable funding and adaptability to societal needs.

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