The Importance Of Health Care In America

The Declaration of Independence states three unalienable rights which are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Of these rights mandated by the government, the right of every individual to have access to some form of health care falls under all three. Not only is access to health care an unalienable right, it could prevent the progression of injury or disease and could also improve economic productivity.

Medical care in America is more common than in many other countries, however the United States (U.S.) is one of three countries out of thirty four members of Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development to have health care availability for everyone. In less developed countries the ability to receive health care is rare, especially

The care we were able to provide the citizens is typically the only care they are able to receive. Through working one on one with many patients it was alarmingly evident how earlier medical attention could have prevented many of the issues that were present. For example, one man had a pressure ulcer on his bottom, that now needed surgery to fix, which would most likely not be able to be provided for him once we left. As the man was bound to a wheelchair, he would most likely die due to infection and inability to obtain early health care and screening. Many Guatemalans suffer from diabetes and hypertension. When their blood pressures and blood sugars were tested, the numbers were often critically high. Having high blood sugar and blood pressure leads to chronic disease, organ failure and ultimately death. If there was access to healthcare, hypertension and diabetes would be more under control and each patient could be monitored, minimizing their pain and suffering. The patient could be taught how to monitor themselves so they would not have to take up spaces in a hospital or clinic and this could improve the overall quality of life. Issues like these are not only seen in Guatemala but in the United States as well. According to the Center for Disease control (CDC), 4.5% of people in the US failed to obtain medical care because of the cost. Americans in poverty level have similar issues to the

Individuals who maintain a higher level of health can improve economic production. The Institute of Medicine states $65-$130 billion is lost annually due to poor health and deaths causing a decrease in productivity. Not only does this harm businesses and the economy but also the overall work ethic of the nation as a whole. All levels of society benefit from access to medical care. People in poverty are then able to live healthier lives and find and maintain a job. With everyone having the ability to receive medical care, more medically related jobs will thus be created. More nurses and doctors will be needed therefore, stimulate the job market, decreasing unemployment. How the medical care will be financially provided is one downfall. Current attempts in this field, like Obamacare, where universale insurance is provided for everyone, has many of its own problems. Money may not have to be as much of an issue as one may think. The current public health services in less developed countries such as Guatemala are typically only in urban areas, and are extremely hierarchical. Everyone should be able to attain medical services, not just those in upper classes. The World Medical Association states, “As health professionals, physicians have a key role to play in providing high quality care to all patients without discrimination.” An