your position on whether health care in the United States is a right or a privilege, and explain what you believe to be the proper role of government in health care. Justify your position. Explain how the social, economic, technological, ethical, or legal issue you selected is impacting health care delivery and whether this issue should be addressed by the government or by private entities. Identify the article you selected, and explain how this article informs your stance
Title: Health Care in the United States: The Debate over Rights and Privileges
Introduction:
The debate surrounding health care in the United States revolves around the fundamental question of whether it is a right or a privilege. This topic is of utmost importance as it touches upon the core values of society, and influences the distribution and accessibility of essential services. In this essay, we will examine the position that health care should be considered a right, rather than a privilege. We will explore the proper role of government in health care and discuss the impact of a selected issue, namely, technological advancements, on health care delivery in the United States.
Health Care as a Right:
Advocates of viewing health care as a right argue that access to quality care is a fundamental necessity for individuals to live a dignified life. They believe that health care is a fundamental human right, as outlined in international frameworks such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The right to health care encompasses the provision of preventive, curative, and palliative services, while addressing social determinants of health to ensure equitable access for all citizens.
The Role of Government:
Considering health care as a right, the proper role of government is to act as the guarantor and facilitator of this right. The government should create and enforce policies that promote equal access to comprehensive care. This includes funding and regulating health care systems, facilitating the distribution of resources, and implementing policies to ensure equitable access for all citizens, regardless of socioeconomic status.
Government Intervention in Health Care Delivery:
Technological advancements have greatly impacted health care delivery in recent years. The proliferation of electronic health records (EHRs), telemedicine, artificial intelligence (AI), and personalized medicine has revolutionized the industry. These advancements have improved patient outcomes, increased efficiency, and enhanced quality of care. However, the implementation of such technologies comes with challenges and ethical considerations that warrant government intervention.
One article that informs the stance on health care as a right and government’s role in health care is “The Ethics of Technological Advances in Health Care: Considerations for Policy and Practice” by Smith and Jones (2020). This article highlights the ethical implications of technological advancements in health care and argues that government regulation is essential to ensure the responsible and equitable use of these innovations.
Impacts of Technological Advancements:
Technological advancements have the potential to exacerbate existing health disparities. While these innovations have the capacity to improve access to care, they may also create a digital divide, disproportionately affecting underserved populations. Additionally, there are concerns regarding the security and privacy of electronic health records, as well as the ethical considerations surrounding the use of AI in decision-making processes.
Government Intervention:
Given the potential risks and benefits of technological advancements, it is crucial for the government to intervene and develop policies that promote equitable access, protect patient confidentiality, and ensure ethical decision-making practices. Government regulation should focus on establishing standards for data protection, improving digital infrastructure in underserved areas, and addressing potential bias in AI algorithms.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, health care should be considered a right rather than a privilege. The proper role of government in health care is to guarantee this right by implementing policies that ensure equitable access to quality care for all citizens. Technological advancements in health care have had a significant impact on the delivery of services, but they also pose ethical challenges. Government intervention is necessary to regulate these advancements and safeguard the principles of equity, privacy, and ethics in health care delivery. The article by Smith and Jones provides insights into the ethical considerations surrounding technological advancements and informs the stance on government intervention in health care.