Advantages and Disadvantages of Free Healthcare (Essay Sample)

Advantages and Disadvantages of Free Healthcare
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Advantages and Disadvantages of Free Healthcare
The health of a population determines the economic stability of the society. Nations with effective healthcare systems and higher access to medical care to the citizens enjoy a stable financial environment as compared to their counterparts with poor health services. To improve the productivity of regions, many government leaders have come up with ways of providing free or low-cost healthcare to the populace via various programs. The Alma-Ata declaration of 1978 which coined the "Health for All" slogan has been critical in ensuring increased access to clinical care across the globe (Bloom et al., 2018). The use of free healthcare has both negative and positive effects on society; therefore, leaders should weigh the advantages and disadvantages of the practices carefully to reap the most benefits.
The healthcare industry has grown to become a billion-dollar industry yet access to care is among the major challenges presently. Increasing access to care by offering free services to marginalized communities can promote societal wellbeing and increase productivity. According to Bloom et al. (2018), having access to quality healthcare can significantly influence factors associated with inequality in society: labor production, school attendance, and fertility control. Unfortunately, the provision of free healthcare is costly and can negatively influence a government’s budget. Citizens would need to pay higher taxes to cover the costs incurred in providing free health services. Similarly, the number of people seeking medical care