Some aspects of Moldovan health care are seriously impressive to a Brit, (and this even before recent years, when the UK system has basically ground to a halt).
For example, my wife can call the number of her family doctor (GP equivalent), and get through to speak with her! Unheard of in the UK.
They generally seem to act VERY fast, operating the next day as soon as my wife was diagnosed with cancer. (Long time back, she's fine now).
I also had to use MedPark one time while here, for a minor operation under local anaesthetic. I was impressed by the service, and the cost was barely above the minimum of my health insurance, so I did not claim.
Hey Nick - I've had similar experiences. Sending a text / calling my GP and getting an answer is a very fast and useful way to interact. I also have a good opinion of MedPark and like that there is a private option as well.
I recognize that there are challenges and real issues of corruption too. But if you asked me what framework you would want to have such that you could improve and build on it - I would also say I'm impressed.
Great piece! That invisible European queuing line? It starts in Germany! In my experience, they are terrible queuers…and without the social system of identifying the last in line you describe. Last time I was there, it was no holds barred! I also appreciate your point about incentives. One great thing about the UK’s NHS is that medics have no financial incentives about what care they recommend. There ARE resource limits but that encourages doctors to focus on those with the greatest need. Which can, admittedly, be frustrating if you have a painful but not life-threatening condition. But when our little boys needed any kind of care, they got it immediately.
Thanks Alex! Interesting to know about Germany. There is probably a good article in trying to compare the MD health system with the NHS. At point of care I think it has a similar structure / set of goals. Internally I think the incentives / policies of many generations of politicians have built different beasts.
Some aspects of Moldovan health care are seriously impressive to a Brit, (and this even before recent years, when the UK system has basically ground to a halt).
For example, my wife can call the number of her family doctor (GP equivalent), and get through to speak with her! Unheard of in the UK.
They generally seem to act VERY fast, operating the next day as soon as my wife was diagnosed with cancer. (Long time back, she's fine now).
I also had to use MedPark one time while here, for a minor operation under local anaesthetic. I was impressed by the service, and the cost was barely above the minimum of my health insurance, so I did not claim.
Hey Nick - I've had similar experiences. Sending a text / calling my GP and getting an answer is a very fast and useful way to interact. I also have a good opinion of MedPark and like that there is a private option as well.
I recognize that there are challenges and real issues of corruption too. But if you asked me what framework you would want to have such that you could improve and build on it - I would also say I'm impressed.
Great piece! That invisible European queuing line? It starts in Germany! In my experience, they are terrible queuers…and without the social system of identifying the last in line you describe. Last time I was there, it was no holds barred! I also appreciate your point about incentives. One great thing about the UK’s NHS is that medics have no financial incentives about what care they recommend. There ARE resource limits but that encourages doctors to focus on those with the greatest need. Which can, admittedly, be frustrating if you have a painful but not life-threatening condition. But when our little boys needed any kind of care, they got it immediately.
Thanks Alex! Interesting to know about Germany. There is probably a good article in trying to compare the MD health system with the NHS. At point of care I think it has a similar structure / set of goals. Internally I think the incentives / policies of many generations of politicians have built different beasts.
Good story. We liked Victor also. When I had a root canal done....they asked if I wanted anesthesia...."Hell yes!", I replied.