International Healthcare Models: France

Here is my previous review of the French healthcare system.  Below is the some additional information on medical care in France based on the book by William Roth. Physicians: Physicians generally work out of their own practices rather than in health centers. Physicians choose whether to work in the private sector or public sector.  They…

International Healthcare Models: Canada

Here is my previous review of the Canadian system.  Below, I will include additional information on healthcare in Canada based on the book by William Roth. Insurance Government-funded insurance covers the majority of Canadians. Private insurance was recently made legal in Canada, but private insurance is still held by a very small proportion of the…

Universal Coverage in Thailand

Puenpatom and Rosenman (2008) examine universal health coverage in Thailand: “In 2001 Thailand became the first developing country to introduce universal health insurance coverage (UC). Six of 76 provinces adopted UC in April 2001, while the remaining provinces implemented UC in October of that year. One of the key elements of the program is capitated-based…

Dutch Hospital Industry

What are hospitals like in the Netherlands?  A paper by Blank and Van Hulst (2009) give some insight.  The paper studies Dutch general hospitals.  These hospitals make up 80% of beds on 70% of hospital costs.  Non-general hospitals include academic hospitals and specialty hospitals (e.g., eye clinics and rehabilitation clinics). Hospitals in the Netherlands “Hospitals,…

Top Countries for Biotechnology Innovation

Scientific American has an article ranking countries based on how conducive they are to biotechnology innovation.  The criteria are based on what is best for biotech firms and not necessary what is best for society.  The rankings are based on the following metrics: Intellectual Property (IP) protection.  In this ranking, more IP protection is considered better.  For…