Comparative Analysis of Healthcare Systems

This article provides a comparative analysis of the Australian, Switzerland, and Saudi Arabia healthcare systems. It explores their structure, governance, and functions, as well as their similarities and differences. The article also evaluates the efficiency, effectiveness, and equity of these healthcare systems.

Running head: HEALTHCARE1
Healthcare Systems
Student Name
Institution

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Introduction
Health system refers to an organization of health professionals that are geared towards
achieving a common health goal. Health system plays an important role in ensuring that health
care services are delivered as stipulated within the universal health care policies. Healthcare
system also functions to pull together resources that ensure there is effective and equitable
distribution of these resources for the benefit of citizens. Some of the resources that health
system help distributes include human resources and medical financial resources. There are
many different types of the health care system in society today and work parallel to each other
but ensures the goal of health care is delivered to citizens. Some the example of the health care
system is the Australian health care system, Switzerland private health care system and Saudi
Arabia health care system. These health care systems have a different structure, governance, and
functions that enable these systems to work and realize a better clinical outcome. The analysis of
the working framework of the health care system can take the form of efficiency, effectiveness,
and equity that result in better service delivery. The following paper explores three contrasting
healthcare systems and their functions that ensure quality health outcomes.
1.The three Health systems
There are many different healthcare systems that exist in many different countries. This
health system works either collaboratively or parallel to ensure delivery of health outcomes.
Some of the three healthcare systems are the Australian health care system, Switzerland health
care system and Saudi Arabia health system.

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1.1 Australian healthcare system
The Australian health system is the health system that composes of major public and
private health facilities, community-based organizations own by the government and territorial
governments. The services that are offered in public healthcare systems are mainly free or at a
lower cost and this is to help provide universal health care to all citizens. The Australian health
system is more inclusive in the provision of health service as compared to other systems. This is
based on the management that is done through the government and most of the health
practitioners that work in other health care systems are also part of the public employment
(Lennox, Doyle, Reed & Bell, 2017).
The governance of the healthcare system is mainly headed by the cabinet in charge of
health at the top of the hierarchy. Below the cabinet minister is federal health minister for health
that governs the health in the whole country. State health minister oversees the public health
system within the states level. Under the state, the ministry is the state ran facilities that include
state age care, public community health services, public hospitals and public dental service
(Paina & David, 2011). The structure of the Australian health system is divided into four
different aspects and each forms a key component of the system. The Australian health care
system is divided into the federal level; state level, local level and funding (NHFB, 2016).
Firstly, at the top of the hierarchy is the federal ministry of health that is the overall public health
system. The federal level is the national level health system that ensures that all other health
elements work to provide universal health care services to citizens. The federal level of the
health is headed by the cabinet in charge of health. Secondly, the state government also has the
cabinet minister in charge of health. The ministry of health has various public healthcare
facilities that operate within the state level. The state government avail funds to various public

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hospitals and other health care facilities. These facilities include community health facilities,
hospitals, and dental health facilities. The funding in the public health system is majorly done
through the government using Medicare. The government uses the tax to fund the medical
services for its citizens. Lastly, there is a territorial health management system that ensures
effective public health care services at the local level. Below the state government health
minister are various health governing bodies such as regulatory bodies, community health and
health facilities (Bennet, Irene, Kabir, Kara, Freddie & Gilson, 2011).

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Figure 1: Australian Health structure
The function of the Australian health system is to provide affordable universal health care
services to Australian people under the payment of Medicare. The public health system offers a
variety of services that range from diagnosis, treatment, and specialized medication. The public
health system avail various health supportive resources that ensure the proper delivery of health
care services to citizens for a free or affordable cost (White, 2015).

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1.2 Switzerland healthcare system
Switzerland health system is based on the compulsory private health insurance cover that
enhances universal health care. The Switzerland health system is another health system that
works in collaboration with private insurance organizations. Switzerland healthcare is the health
care system that is owned or managed by the government and offers a variety of health services.
The healthcare system includes facilities are mainly hospitals, allied health, pharmacies and
specialist medical. The services that are offered at the private health facilities are funded by
private insurance organizations. Private health coverage though sometimes works together with
the public health system, the two health systems have many things that differ. The private health
care coverage is often seen as an alternative to the public health as the two systems work
together for a common goal (Department of Social Services, 2015).
The structure of the health system is majorly composed of various health organization
and health insurance organizations. The government is responsible for the provision of health
care services through payment of the medical bills is done through private health insurance
organizations. The health system composed of health facilities ranging from national to
community level of health services (Private Health Insurance Ombudsman, 2015).

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Figure 2: Switzerland Health system
The Switzerland health is majorly governed by a ministry of health and payment of
medical services is through private organizations under government regulations. The government
regulates private health insurance coverage as the as a way to assist in the provision of universal
health care services. The government through the ministry of health regulates the activities of the
private health insurance organizations. In addition, the government also provides funding for
various health facilities and equipment (Marchildon, 2013).

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The health system function through the provision of medical health services to the public
under the private insurance arrangement. The government offers developmental funding for
hospitals to ensure there are good health facilities. The private health insurance offers alternative
payment to the citizens that requires more medical health without immediate financial
capabilities (Swiss Federal Office of Public Health, 2012)
1.3 Saudi Arabia Healthcare system
Saudi Arabia healthcare system is another healthcare system where the government
provides health care services. The health care system is offered through the government with the
help of private health that is also growing in the country. Ministry of Health is the main
organization that is responsible for health service provision in the country (Arab News 2015).
Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health mainly offers health support for the medical practitioners in
order to ensure quality health care service. Moreover, the Saudi Arabia health system has some
other related health service provider agencies that also assist in the provision of health care
service to citizens. Some of these include the ministry of education that provides health service
to learners, ministry of defense and other ministries provide health service to people working
within those areas (Louise & Parker, 2011).
The Ministry of Health of Saudi Arabia is the government agency that provides
governance to health system within the country. Below the ministry of health are some mini-
NHS agencies that provide health service to people that work under such departments
(Mustapha, 2014). The governance of the Saudi Arabia health system composes of health
practitioners from various fields that form a multidisciplinary health team. Some of the Saudi
Arabia health professionals are doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacist, medical sonographers,
dietitians, medical technologists and occupational therapists among many other health

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professionals. In addition, the Saudi Arabia health system is divided into various functional
professions that perform a particular task within the health care system. The ministry of health
normally acts as a support system that performs some functions such as administration and
physiotherapy (Lexology, 2019).
Figure 3: Saudi Arabia Health structure (https://www.slideshare.net/wakplagah/health-systems-in-saudi-arabia)
The health system offers support to the main health gateway in delivery of its mandate
under the health policies. The strength of the Saudi Arabia health system is based on its ability to
work with allied health care practitioners or professionals to deliver health services (Corburn &
Sverdlik, 2017).

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2.Comparative Analysis of the three health
systems
2.1 Similarities between health systems
The three health care systems show some similarities that can be seen in structural and
governance elements. Firstly, the Australian health care system and Switzerland's health care
system has some similarities based on government level perspective. In addition, the two
structures are based on the almost similar three tires of the government and these are federal,
state and local system of government. Secondly, the Australian health system is also similar to
the Saudi Arabian health system from the governance perspective. The two health systems are
governed by the ministry of health that finances medical bills for citizens. Furthermore, the two
health care systems have some National Health Service units that assist in the provision of health
care services to the citizens (Marchildon, 2013).
2.2 Differences between health systems
There are many differences between the three health care systems that offer services to
clients within Australia. Firstly, the political influence the government of each country has in the
health system determines the government participation within the health system and differs in the
three health systems. The Australian health care system is partially decentralized with the federal
government funding more than two third of the health care services within the health system. The
Australian health system is fully funded by the government either at the federal, state or territory
level of the government. The government fund the health services through Medicare and
Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (Council of Australian Governments, 2016). This is different
when compared to the Switzerland health system that fully decentralized. The Swiss government
has a private insurance policy that helps the government fund health services. The government,

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therefore, offer health care service funding through private health insurance companies where all
citizens have to seeks compulsory medical cover. The Saudi Arabian health care system, on the
other hand, is government fully owned system where the government the ministry of health
oversees all the health care service delivery agencies. Saudi Arabia healthcare service is offered
by the government through the ministry of health and finances both primary care and referral
services (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2016).
Secondly, the demographic composition of the country population determines consumer
participation and differs between the three health care systems. The Switzerland health care
system allows full consumer participation as compared to the Saudi Arabian health care system
where consumer participation is limited. Switzerland funding is derived mainly form consumers
through purchasing of health insurance cover (Roy, 2012). The population is aging and this is a
sign that more emphasis should be placed on insurance cover. The Saudi Arabian health care
system has government funding the system hence consumers are allowed to participate only in
receiving health services. The Australian health system allows partial or average consumer
participation. The government also allow the citizens to purchase insurance based on their
income and capability to reduce the pressure placed on the government funding of the health
system (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2018).
Thirdly, the information or communication system differs with the Australian health care
system leading to technological application in the health care system. The Saudi Arabian health
care system has minimal information technology application in the health care system as
compared to the Australian system. Switzerland health care system is decentralized giving rise to
state own health information system (Almalkim, Fitzgerald & Clark, 2011).

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Challenges that are faced by various health systems
There are many different challenges that are facing various health systems that are
currently used. Firstly, differences in resources endowment between Australia, Switzerland and
Saudi Arabia is key that influences the difference in financing of health systems. Resources
allocation is a major challenge that affects the health care systems that are within the country
(Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2015d). Secondly, cultural differences are another
factor that affects the health system as the Australian and Switzerland health system are derived
from the three-tier government system. Understanding the health system especially the different
government agencies from the Switzerland health facilities or Saudi Arabia health perspective is
culturally determined. The historical background is a determinant of the differences in the health
systems that the three countries have. The Australian health system, for instance, can be traced
back to the historical time of the settles and the current government system (National Mental
Health Commission, 2014).
3.Evaluation of three health system against
three Es
The three health systems and their performance can be evaluated based on the three Es
criteria and these include efficiencies, effectiveness, and equity.
3.1 Australian health system
Firstly, a comparison between the cost of health care services and the quality of health
care services shows the efficiencies within the Australian health care system. The efficiency of
the health care system has been average based on the studies that have been conducted to
determines the efficiency of service delivery (Willis & Parry, 2016). For the health system to
work with the efficiency, resources such as financial resources have been deployed into the

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health system to increase service delivery. In addition, the resources from the government
particularly the federal government ensures that activities of the health system work effectively.
Secondly, there are many different areas that the health care sector has been evaluated for equity.
Financial allocation and ethnicity are two areas that the health care system shows equity. The
government provides funds that are required for a large amount to ensure there is equity in health
care survives in all health systems. Thirdly, improved clinical outcomes in the health care system
that is witnessed over the past few years show the effectiveness (Commonwealth of Australia,
2015).
3.2 Switzerland health system
Cost sharing or offsetting the cost of health care service to other entities is one way that
the government has done to increase health care efficiencies. The Switzerland health system that
is based on private health coverage performs effectively through the observance of the
requirement under the health regulations of the country. Compliers to health requirement by
private insurance organizations ensure that the health system work to optimum outcomes.
Secondly, government financing patient medication is another area that ensures the health care
system realizes its outcomes. Medication within private health coverage is coordinated between
the government and private insurance organizations. This financial support ensures that the
health system work or perform to its requirement. Thirdly, equity performance is based on the
ability of private health coverage to provide financial services to patients without any
discrimination. In addition, the equity framework of the private health coverage works to ensure
that clients are attended with the right medical practitioners and the required number
(Braithwaite, Hibbert & Blakely, 2017).

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3.3 Saudi Arabia health system
Care coordination is one indicator of health care efficiencies that the Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia has to utilize to increase efficiencies of health care services. Saudi Arabia health care
system works effectively through multidisciplinary collaborative work. Saudi Arabia health care
system normally works through a collaborative of various government agencies to ensure it
achieves the required health outcomes. In addition, the health system composes of various
professions that work together or in partnership with other health care practitioners to ensure
effective outcomes. Secondly, the financing of the health system also assists in inefficient health
care service delivery. Effective partnership and collaboration ensure that client receives service
and attain optimum health outcomes (Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, 2015).
4.Evaluation of current Reforms or proposed
The Australian health system has some reforms that have been proposed are underway
and are not yet implemented.
4.1 Australian health system
Payment of medical treatments is an area that its reforms are in progress as the Australian
Health Reform Commission is reviewing cost burden either on commonwealth or state
government. Cost-shifting between the state government and the federal government is an area
that is still under reforms. The fund's allocation is one area that has attracted reforms and many
different allocation proposals have been made to increase efficiencies. Cost shifting has resulted
in the blame game between the Commonwealth government and state government that the
Australian Health Reform Commission is considering making reforms to reduce this problem
(Britnell, 2015).

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4.2 Saudi Arabia health system
Saudi Arabia health is under intense pressure due to intensive expenditure on the cost of
health and is considering the introduction of out of pocket payment of health. The ministry of
health of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is reviewing the payment option of the health care service
in order to increase the quality of healthcare services. In addition, the government has been
looking at the out of pocket payment method as an alternative to the government payment of
health care services. This is due to the pressure that is placed on the government to increase
health care funding (CFFR, 2011).
4.3 Switzerland Health system
The Switzerland government is concerned with the quality of health care services and the
increasing cost of health care resulting from private insurance organizations. Regulation of the
Switzerland private health insurance organizations has been a matter of debate with many people
proposing that there is a need to restructure the health system. People perceive that private health
insurance is out for profitability. There are many different reforms that have been proposed to
regulate private health insurance. In addition, the funding and financing of the private health
system are other issues that require improvement as many clients attending private health
facilities take time before financing of the medical bill is affected (Organization for Economic
Co-operation and Development (OECD), 2010).
5.Conclusion
In conclusion, the three health systems that include the Australian health system, Saudi
Arabia health system, and the Switzerland health system plays an important role in the
management and delivery of health services to citizens. The health system differs in
composition, governance, and functions portraying the diversity in health care provision. The

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three health care systems are aligned based government policies that also determine efficiencies,
effectiveness, and efficacy. The effective operations of the health systems ensure that the clinical
or health outcomes are at optimal for meeting the government goals. Therefore, there are various
current health reforms that are currently implemented or are proposed in the three health
systems. These reforms will improve the health service delivery across all three health systems.
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