Market continuum analysis Essays

Market continuum analysis Essays Market continuum analysis Paper Market continuum analysis Paper Health and human development form integral component of overall socio-economic development of any nation. The organizations and financing of healthcare in different countries are different. In each country, the design of health services and the means by which these services are financed depend on the country’s political culture, history, and wealth. Several frameworks and models have been developed by analysts to explain these systems and to help compare healthcare systems in a meaningful manner. The work of Odin Anderson and Milton Roemer is most notable among them. Anderson developed the concept of the â€Å"uneasy equilibrium† between the private and public healthcare sectors, and he organized health systems on a continuum based on the level of government involvement in the financing and organization of health services. In his market-minimized/market-maximized continuum Anderson explains that the degree to which a state centralizes financing and planning and the relative size of its public sector determine its position in the continuum, and as well the extent to which it influences the procedures of the economy itself. (Berkowitz, 2004) The market-maximized end of the continuum focuses on the concept of change through the private market with limited government involvement. According to Anderson, Such transformation may be speedy or sluggish, but it is natural to the system and its speed is also normal. It is incremental, not revolutionary. Anderson has positioned the United States at the far end of the market-maximized end of the spectrum. The market- minimized end of the spectrum, on the other hand, focuses on the socialistic strategy of planned economies and government programs for distributive justice and aims to modify with deliberate speed and at a scheduled pace. The United States health care system has moved its position on Anderson’s market-minimized/market maximized continuum. This oscillation has affected Socio-economic, Demographic, Health status, Political areas in United States. (King, 2005) Effect of the oscillation on Health status of United States Health systems in each and every country in the world, regardless of their wealth or level of economic development, are struggling to deal with multiple demands and pressures. With modernization and industrialization the developed countries like United States are experiencing epidemiologic Transition. This term refers to a change in the type of diseases and sickness experienced within a society. Changes in mortality structure are the principle result indicator by which the epidemiological transition is evaluated. People in industrial area have to live with industrial waste and polluted water and air. Slums arose in industrial cities and became central points for poverty and the spread of disease. Epidemics of smallpox, typhus, diphtheria, measles, and yellow fever were well-documented. Tuberculosis and respiratory diseases such as pneumonia and bronchitis were even more serious problems, and they were exacerbated by harsh working situations and crowded living conditions. The United States health care system has taken several steps to educate people about health issues, provide uncontaminated food and water, safer and better living conditions. As a result, now in United States, major sources of morbidity and mortality result from chronic and non communicable diseases. Many of these diseases are related to lifestyle, such as increased lung cancer due to smoking or high rates of cardiovascular disease that result from obesity and lack of exercise. Common diseases among wealthy, developed nations include arthritis, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension. These diseases do not result from malnutrition or lack of access to health services. Instead these are results of excesses in personal lifestyle or simply be due to increased longevity, which causes the body to become more susceptible to such conditions. Consequently, in United States populations generally suffer with considerable chronic diseases and, thus, continual healthcare is needed. (Lamb, 2004) Effect of the oscillation on Socio-economic structure of United States Economic development seems to be the primary factor involved. However, economic development also brings modern determinants of health, which arise mainly from changes in lifestyle and from the hazards of contemporary and imperfectly understood technology. In United States people have become more civilized, living in a very high life style. But this development has also introduced both positive and negative influences such as use of tobacco, use of alcohol, etc which are injurious to health. Several psychological factors have an impact on suicidal tendencies, including social isolation, crises, depression, and alcoholism. Due to steady Industrialization and accelerating competition in market gives rise to an environment of tough competition. Competition along with more complex production and distribution environments requires identifying and reducing necessary costs, such as costs associated with development, manufacturing, distribution and service. (Anand, 2006)