A doctor has disclosed which country they would choose to reside in if healthcare quality was the deciding factor, and it’s not the United States.
Good healthcare is a priority for many, yet the variations in healthcare quality from one country to another are often overlooked. Different nations operate distinct healthcare systems, each with its own level of effectiveness. A doctor has now shared his opinion on which country excels in this area.
During an episode of the The Checkup with Doctor Mike podcast, American oncologist Dr. Zeke Emanuel discussed the advantages people outside the US experience.
A few weeks back, Doctor Mike asked Dr. Emanuel where he would choose to be born today if healthcare quality was the only factor. While Dr. Zeke Emanuel stated he wouldn’t select a country based solely on healthcare, he joined in the discussion by pointing out three European countries he had in mind.
He also mentioned his book that discusses countries known for excellent healthcare before revealing his choice.
The countries he would consider are the Netherlands, Germany, and Norway.
Elaborating on what makes these nations particularly favorable, especially the Netherlands, he praised their healthcare approach and its potential benefits for individuals.
He explained: “The big winners were the Netherlands, Germany and Norway.
“They are definitely emphasizing, especially the Netherlands and Norway, primary care.
“To get to a specialist you really have to go through a primary care doctor, they put control on prices, especially in the Netherlands where they give you choices on different sickness funds, they call them, their insurers.
“They make their primary care doctors manage mental health conditions, so almost all of them have nurses who manage mental health.
“They have doctors or nurses who are accessible 24/7 who have access to your medical records and they only spend 12 percent of their budget so they have a lot of other money that can be spent on enhancing schools, infrastructure, environment and other things that make people happy.”
The Netherlands’ healthcare system has been widely acclaimed and is a source of national pride.
The National Health Care System website of the Netherlands attributes its success to a few fundamental principles: “Access to care for all, solidarity through medical insurance (which is compulsory for all and available to all) and high-quality health care services.”