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National Health Insurance (NHI) is a system where a government provides health insurance coverage to all or most of its citizens. It ensures that healthcare services are accessible and affordable, often funded through taxes or mandatory contributions.
Key Features of National Health Insurance
- Universal Coverage – Aims to provide healthcare access to all citizens, reducing financial barriers.
- Government Involvement – The government manages or regulates health insurance programs.
- Funding Mechanism – Financed through taxes, payroll deductions, or a mix of public and private contributions.
- Cost Control – Helps regulate healthcare costs through price negotiations and budget management.
- Comprehensive Benefits – Includes essential healthcare services like hospitalization, doctor visits, prescriptions, and preventive care.
Examples of National Health Insurance Systems
- Canada – Publicly funded Medicare system, with provinces managing healthcare delivery.
- United Kingdom – National Health Service (NHS) provides healthcare primarily funded through taxation.
- Germany – Uses a social health insurance model with employer and employee contributions.
- Taiwan – Single-payer system covering nearly all residents through a government-run program.
Pros and Cons of National Health Insurance
✅ Pros:
- Reduces financial barriers to healthcare.
- Promotes public health and preventive care.
- Reduces administrative costs compared to private insurance.
- Provides bargaining power to control drug and treatment prices.
❌ Cons:
- High tax burden or mandatory contributions.
- Potential long waiting times for treatment.
- Limited choices in healthcare providers (depending on the system).
- Government budget constraints may impact healthcare quality.
Rahul Khanna
