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4 Responses to “Which country has the best healthcare system? Tell me what you think”

1. CosmoChick says:

   November 1, 2009 at 12:44 pm

   I’m starting the comments thread with the 4 countries I’ve experienced, but i can understand that others might disagree with me, even when discussing the same country.

   First, about Canada:

   • Pros:
     1. It’s free
     2. It’s accessible: in montreal, at least, there are plenty of places to go to to receive care
     3. Maternity leave is 1 year! How can you not love that!
   • Cons:
     1. There is no real private option should we want to pay more for a faster more personalized service
     2. Everywhere is always so crowded, waiting times are infuriating
     3. Doctors are overworked and don’t always spend the right amount of time with each patient

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2. CosmoChick says:

   November 1, 2009 at 12:49 pm

   My thoughts on the USA healthcare system:

   • Pros:
     1. Quality of facilities
     2. Once you have insurance, everything is generally efficient
     3. Doctors are competent, most of the time
   • Cons:
     1. Very expensive if you don’t have insurance
     2. No public option most of the time
     3. Crowded ERs
     4. 3 weeks maternity leave, say what????

   Reply
3. CosmoChick says:

   November 1, 2009 at 12:50 pm

   My thoughts on the England healthcare system:

   • Pros:
     1. Public healthcare widely available
     2. Private option easily available for faster service
     3. Private vs. public is handled well
     4. Maternity leave of 6 months is decent
   • Cons:
     1. Doctors are not very competent unless specialist
     2. Nurses are not strong on bedside manner and efficiency

   Reply
4. CosmoChick says:

   November 1, 2009 at 12:51 pm

   And finally, the France healthcare system, which, i think honestly, has got everything figured out just right, it’s near perfect.

   • Pros:
     1. TRUE universal healthcare: if you have a job, you contribute with your employer to your insurance, if you don’t have a job (or loose it), your coverage DOES NOT STOP for a single day, you get free healthcare from the state, it is against the law to not be entitled to receive healthcare.
     2. Out of the box thinking: removing pressure of crowds from ERs and public institutions…
     3. Widely available at-home service (they will come to you, for a blood test, for an elderly visits…)
     4. Superior doctor analysis and diagnosis skills
     5. Efficiency by all concerned
     6. Maternity leave of 6 months is decent
   • Cons:
     1. 16 weeks maternity leave, imposed at starting 6 weeks before due date
     2. Nurses are efficient, yes, but rough around the edges, could improve on customer care

   Reply