University of the people
HS 3810-01
Health Systems and Structures - AY2023-T3
Written Assignment Unit 2
Introduction:
The Beveridge Model is a theoretical framework that provides the basis for the social policy behind the National Insurance Model of Healthcare.
According to the Beveridge Report of 1942, "the value of a citizen for their contribution through employment is at the heart of the social policy." The report advocated for a comprehensive system of social insurance, which would provide citizens with protection against the five "Giant Evils" of Want, Disease, Ignorance, Squalor, and Idleness.
In this essay, we will examine two case studies of countries that use the National Insurance Model of Healthcare: Canada and Ghana.
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As stated in the Health Canada report, "Canada's publicly funded health care system is a national, universal, comprehensive, and portable system.”.
Similarly, the "Public Social Policy Development and Implementation" report states that "The Ghana National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) is a mandatory, nationwide, social health insurance programme”.
Funded by contributions: Both Canada and Ghana fund their national health insurance systems through contributions from citizens and employers.
In Canada, these contributions are in the form of taxes, while in Ghana, they are in the form of premium payments. As stated in the Health Canada report, "Canada's publicly funded health care system is funded through taxes collected by federal, provincial, and territorial governments."
In Ghana, the Public Social Policy Development and Implementation report, it is stated that "The NHIS is funded through contributions from the government, employers, and enrollees."
Coverage for essential services: Both Canada and Ghana cover essential health services for their citizens, such as hospitalization and physician
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Nevertheless, the key underlying principle remains the same: providing citizens with protection against illness through a comprehensive system of social insurance.
All the readings are matching The Beveridge Report, which remains a seminal work in the field of social policy and continues to influence healthcare systems around the world.
Conclusion:
Canada and Ghana are two countries that use the National Insurance Model of Healthcare. The two countries have similarities in terms of universal coverage, funding through contributions, and coverage for essential services. However, there are also differences in terms of the method of payment, provider network, and funding sources. Despite these differences, both Canada and Ghana align with the guiding principles of the Beveridge Report in providing comprehensive protection against the "Giant Evils" of Want, Disease, Ignorance, Squalor, and Idleness.
References
Agyepong, I. A., & Adjei, S. (2008). Public social policy development and implementation: A case study of the Ghana National Health Insurance scheme. Health policy and planning, 23(2), 150-160.