Comparison of Healthcare Systems: India vs. USA

Overview

India’s healthcare system highlighted through a personal testimony of an American citizen, McKenzie.
Importance of comparing healthcare systems globally.

McKenzie’s British boyfriend fell ill during their visit to India.
Initial concerns about finding a doctor and cost in India.
Key Experiences:
- Easy access to a local doctor due to a friend's suggestion.
- Convenience of scheduling tests with home sample collection by nurses.
- Same-day delivery of test results.
Cost:
- Treatment cost only a few dollars, which was a pleasant surprise compared to expected high costs.

Strengths:
- High convenience in scheduling and obtaining medical tests.
- Relatively low cost of medical care.
Reflects strengths in accessibility and affordability.

NHS in England (April 2024):
- Waiting list for treatment referrals: 7.6 million cases.
- Over 32,500 cases waiting >52 weeks; 50,000 cases >65 weeks; nearly 5,000 cases >78 weeks.
US Healthcare System: Cost and Wait Times:
- Rising healthcare costs projected to increase by 5.6% in 2023 (Milliman Medical Index).
- Annual healthcare costs: From $6,472 in 2010 to $7,221 in 2023.
- Average wait time for new patient appointment: 26 days (2022 Merritt Hawkins survey).

The experiences shared underscore the strengths and weaknesses of different healthcare systems.
Emphasizes the need for global healthcare reforms to ensure equitable and efficient access.