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Cosmetic surgery Pros and cons

Cosmetic surgery Pros and cons

chibueze uchegbu | February 6th, 2022


Plastic surgery is a surgical specialty involving the restoration, reconstruction, or alteration of the human body. Today, we bring to you the Cosmetic surgery Pros and cons.

It can be divided into two main categories: reconstructive surgery and cosmetic surgery.

Reconstructive surgery includes craniofacial surgery, hand surgery, microsurgery, and the treatment of burns.

While reconstructive surgery aims to reconstruct a part of the body or improve its functioning, cosmetic (or aesthetic) surgery aims at improving its appearance of it.

Cosmetic surgery Pros and cons

Cosmetic surgery is where a person chooses to have an operation, or invasive medical procedure, to change their physical appearance for cosmetic rather than medical reasons.

If you’ve always thought cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery were one in the same, you’re not alone.

A significant number of plastic surgeons choose to focus their practice on cosmetic surgery, and as such, the terms are often used interchangeably.

But this is not technically correct. Cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery are closely related specialties, but they are not the same.

Aesthetic surgery is a central component of plastic surgery and includes facial and body aesthetic surgery.

Plastic surgeons use cosmetic surgical principles in all reconstructive surgical procedures as well as isolated operations to improve overall appearance.

Reconstructive Surgery

It is performed to correct functional impairments caused by burns, traumatic injuries, such as facial bone fractures and breaks, congenital abnormalities, such as cleft palates or cleft lips, developmental abnormalities, infection and disease, cancer or tumors.

It is also performed to correct functional impairments caused by cancer or tumors. The goal of reconstructive plastic surgery is to restore both the appearance and the function of the patient’s body.

Tumor removal, laceration repair, maxillofacial surgery, scar revision, hand surgery, and breast reduction plasty are among the most frequently performed reconstructive operations in the United States.

As reported by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the number of reconstructive breast reductions performed on women declined by 4 percent in 2018 compared to the previous year. Breast reduction in men fell by 8% in 2018, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. In 2018, a total of 57,535 procedures were carried out.

Other popular reconstructive surgical treatments include breast reconstruction following a mastectomy for cancer treatment, cleft lip and palate surgery, contracture surgery for burn survivors, and the creation of a new outer ear in cases where one was born without one.

Microsurgery is used by plastic surgeons to transplant tissue for the purpose of covering a defect when no local tissue is available.

Stapling blood vessels as small as 1 to 2 millimeters in diameter and suturing them to other arteries and veins can be used to remove free flaps of skin, muscle, bone, or fat from one location on the body and reattach them to a blood supply at a different location on the body.

Types of Cosmetic Surgery Procedures

There are different types of cosmetic surgery procedures, and they are;

  • Breast Enhancement: Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift, Breast Reduction
  • Facial Contouring: Rhinoplasty, Chin, or Cheek Enhancement
  • Facial Rejuvenation: Facelift, Eyelid Lift, Neck Lift, Brow Lift
  • Body Contouring: Tummy Tuck, Liposuction, Gynecomastia Treatment
  • Skin Rejuvenation: Laser Resurfacing, Filler Treatments

Breast Enhancement

  • Breast augmentation

Sometimes referred to as a “breast aug” or “boob job” by patients, involves using breast implants or fat transfer to increase the size of your breasts.

This procedure can also restore breast volume lost after weight reduction or pregnancy, achieve a more rounded breast shape or improve natural breast size asymmetry.

  • Breast Lift

A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, raises the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to reshape and support the new breast contour.

  • Breast Reduction

Reduction mammoplasty (also breast reduction and reduction mammaplasty) is the plastic surgery procedure for reducing the size of large breasts.

In a breast reduction surgery for re-establishing a functional bust that is proportionate to the woman’s body, the critical corrective consideration is the tissue viability of the nipple–areola complex (NAC), to ensure the functional sensitivity and lactational capability of the breasts.

Facial Contouring

  • Rhinoplasty

Surgery that changes the shape of the nose. The motivation for rhinoplasty may be to change the appearance of the nose, improve breathing or both.

  • Chin Enhancement

Chin augmentation using surgical implants can alter the underlying structure of the face, providing better balance to the facial features.

The specific medical terms mentoplasty and genioplasty are used to refer to the reduction and addition of material to a patient’s chin.

  • Cheek Enhancement 

The goal of cheek augmentation is to add volume or lift to the cheeks. Surgical options for enhancing the cheeks are fat grafting or cheek implants.

Facial Rejuvenation

  • Facelift

A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that lifts and tightens these facial tissues. A facelift can involve removing excess skin, smoothing out folds or wrinkles, and tightening facial tissue. It doesn’t include a brow or eye lift, although these might be done at the same time.

pros and cons of cosmetic surgery

Dr. Cat plastic surgery

  • Eyelid lift

Blepharoplasty is the plastic surgery operation for correcting defects, deformities, and disfigurations of the eyelids; and for aesthetically modifying the eye region of the face.

  • Neck Lift

Platysmaplasty, commonly referred to as a neck lift, is a form of cosmetic plastic surgery involving tightening and removing skin from the human neck.

Because it doesn’t often follow a predictable pattern of aging, neck lift surgery must be tailored to each patient’s specific needs.

  • Brow Lift 

A forehead lift, also known as a browlift or browplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure used to elevate a drooping eyebrow that may obstruct vision and/or to remove the deep “worry” lines that run across the forehead.

Body Contouring

  • Tummy Tuck

Abdominoplasty or “tummy tuck” is a cosmetic surgery procedure used to make the abdomen thinner and more firm.

The surgery involves the removal of excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen in order to tighten the muscle and fascia of the abdominal wall.

  • Liposuction 

Liposuction, or simply lipo, is a type of fat-removal procedure used in plastic surgery. Evidence does not support an effect on weight beyond a couple of months and does not appear to affect obesity-related problems. In the United States, liposuction is the most common cosmetic surgery.

It is a surgical procedure that uses a suction technique to remove fat from specific areas of the body, such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, arms or neck.

Liposuction also shapes (contours) these areas. Other names for liposuction include lipoplasty and body contouring.

  • Gynecomastia Treatment

Two gynecomastia surgery options are:

Liposuction.

This surgery removes breast fat but not the breast gland tissue itself.

Mastectomy.

This type of surgery removes the breast gland tissue. The surgery is often done using only small incisions. This less invasive type of surgery involves less recovery time.

Skin Rejuvenation

  • Laser Resurfacing

If aging, acne, or too much time in the sun has left your face with blotches, scars, wrinkles, or lines, laser skin resurfacing may help your skin look younger and healthier.

Laser skin resurfacing removes skin layer by layer with precision. The new skin cells that form during healing give the skin a tighter, younger looking surface. The procedure can be done alone or with other cosmetic surgeries on the face.

  • Filler Treatments

A filler treatment is a cosmetic dermatological procedure that is used to minimize the appearance of facial lines and wrinkles to restore a youthful look.

It is a great treatment option for those who want to eliminate the signs of aging but are not willing to undergo invasive treatments such as a traditional facelift.

Pros  and Cons

Like other Plastic surgery procedures, Cosmetic surgery comes with it’s advantages and disadvantages;

Here are the Pros and Cons of cosmetic surgery;

Pros of Cosmetic Surgery

Below are the benefits of cosmetic surgery;

  • Enhanced Appearance

The first and main benefit of cosmetic surgery is that it helps to align your natural appearance with your desired appearance.

If you want to undergo cosmetic surgery, it’s reasonable to assume that you are unhappy with some aspect(s) of your appearance, and you desperately want to change it. Once you do it, your appearance will change forever – resulting in an improved version of yourself.

  • Improved Physical Health

Another advantage of cosmetic surgery procedure is that in some cases it can enhance your physical health.

For example, a rhinoplasty surgery, not only will enhance the look and shape of your nose but may also help with respiratory issues that you may have.

The same goes with liposuction – allowing patients who undergo this surgery to be more physically active after its completion.

This, therefore, reduces the chances of developing issues such as an increased blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes.

  • Improved Confidence

By fixing and altering your appearance to suit your wishes, you will automatically have an improved self-esteem.

This does wonders for your social life and your mental health. Being confident in the way you look makes you feel better in all aspects of life.

  • Psychological Benefits

The previous point briefly touches on the suggestion that cosmetic surgery has psychological benefits. You are more inclined to socialise due to your improved state of mind regarding how you feel towards yourself.

Some people who are unsatisfied with their looks frequently struggle with anxiety and depression, which are both mental health problems. However, more often than not, these problems reduce or even disappear completely after cosmetic surgery procedures.

This is a huge bonus for many and is what encourages them to proceed with surgery. The positive psychological outcomes are worth it.

  • Pain is Over Estimated

Many people who consider cosmetic surgery are hesitant because of the fear of the ‘extreme pain’ that is often associated with cosmetic surgery.

While cosmetic surgery is not painless, it is not as painful as it is believed to be. This is true now more than ever because of the recent and ongoing advances in technology.

The procedures have been improved to reduce the feelings of pain – bringing a feeling of reassurance to many.

  • Permanent Results

Another key advantage to cosmetic surgery is that it produces results which often last a long time or are permanent.

This relieves any sort of worries of getting your ‘undesired’ looks back. However, you must keep in mind that you have to look after yourself after the procedures in order to make them more long-lasting.

For example, if you undergo a tummy tuck surgery – it’s high advised that you stick to a healthy and active lifestyle to maintain your results.

  • Easily Accessible

With more and more individual opting for cosmetic surgery, there are now many clinics that offer these services.

So, this means that it is relatively easy to find somewhere to do your procedure. Also, if you don’t want to do your surgery in the UK, there are many clinics aboard that you can easily access too. This is also known as ‘cosmetic tourism’ and has been on the rise in recent years.

Cons of Cosmetic Surgery

These are the disadvantages of cosmetic surgery;

  • Expense

It is not a secret that cosmetic surgeries are expensive. However, this factor makes cosmetic surgery not so ‘easily accessible’ to everyone, as not everyone obtains such funds.

It can be difficult saving up money towards cosmetic surgeries and people often take loans, which can lead to debt. Feel free to look at the cost of cosmetic surgery in South Korea.

  • Chance of Addiction

A grave disadvantage of cosmetic surgery is that some individuals get addicted to it. This has extreme effects on patients’ state of mind as they may increase the severity of or develop Body Dysmorphic Disorder, or BDD, (whereby they continuously find faults and flaws with their appearance.)

Individuals who are diagnosed with this believe that they can get rid of BDD through multiple cosmetic surgeries, but this is not the case. Surgery is not the correct treatment for this type of serious disorder.

  • Risk of Death

Although this isn’t common, it can happen during or after surgery. In most cases, this happens due to the reaction to anesthesia or because of your health history (a person with bad health is more likely to have complications during surgery than those who are in good health).

It is highly recommended that you take this factor into consideration, and although unlikely, it can occur. Making this a very serious risk of cosmetic surgery.

  • Doesn’t Always Meet Expectations

Another disadvantage of cosmetic surgery is that after the procedure, it’s not fully guaranteed that you will come out of the other end completely satisfied with the changes.

These adjustments made to your face or body may have been desirable before you had them, however, they may not look as you expected and fill you with regret.

So, you must always be sure exactly of what you want and do your research before committing to the surgery in order to avoid disappointment!

Conclusion

Cosmetic surgery won’t change your life. It won’t solve personal problems or make you look like someone else. But it may give you greater self-confidence and add to your sense of well-being.

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Invisalign Vs Braces Pros And Cons

Invisalign Vs Braces Pros And Cons

chibueze uchegbu | February 3rd, 2022


Today, we will look at Invisalign Vs Braces Pros and Cons and the clever approaches to making the right decision.

You want to straighten your teeth but can’t decide between braces and Invisalign.  Do your homework, ask questions, and make an informed decision with your orthodontist’s support.

Because Invisalign isn’t always the ideal solution for every patient, it’s important to receive expert guidance from your Orthodontist.

Overview of Invisalign Vs Braces Pros And Cons

This post compares Invisalign and braces to help you make an informed choice.

Braces are generally metal and affixed to the outside of the teeth, however, increasingly ceramic and lingual (behind the teeth) braces are available. Metal wires and rubber bands are attached to brackets to remedy orthodontic issues.

Invisalign employs clear plastic aligners. A 3D scan of the mouth customizes the aligners for each patient. A set of custom aligners is then produced to gently shift the teeth into place.

The Pros of Invisalign

Invisalign has several benefits, the most notable of which are as follows:

  • Invisalign Has a More Attractive Appearance

The most significant advantage of Invisalign is that the retainers are nearly undetectable. Adult patients appreciate the fact that their coworkers and clients are unaware that they are getting orthodontic treatment. Self-conscious teens do as well.

When you use Invisalign, you won’t have to deal with others making fun of your new braces for a while.

You won’t have to be concerned about your grin in photographs because all that will be seen in photographs is the growth of your ever-improving smile over time.

  • You can take the aligners out to eat if you want to.

Patients frequently inquire as to whether they are required to wear Invisalign at all times. To achieve the optimum results, Invisalign must be worn for 20 – 22 hours each day, which means you can remove your aligners when you are eating your meal.

This means that you won’t have to make any changes to your diet or eating habits. Many people find it difficult or uncomfortable to eat certain types of meals while wearing braces.

  • Brushing and flossing your teeth is now much simpler

In addition to removing your Invisalign retainers during eating and drinking, you will also remove them when brushing your teeth.

Because there is nothing on your teeth to be concerned about, you can continue cleaning and flossing as you normally would.

  • There will be fewer consultations required

When you use Invisalign, the majority of the orthodontist’s work is completed before you even put on your aligners.

A 3D image of your teeth is utilized to create all of the personalized retainers that are created in a laboratory. According to your orthodontist’s instructions, you should change the multiple sets of retainers.

Because there is no need to return to the orthodontic office for adjustments, visits to the office are limited to a bare minimum to monitor progress. With fewer trips to the orthodontist, you’ll spend less time away from work.

  • Wearing It Is A Pleasure

Are you wondering if braces or Invisalign are more painful than traditional braces? Discomfort and pain might be experienced when moving teeth with Invisalign, just as they would with traditional braces.

On the other hand, Invisalign is associated with fewer oral and gum disorders. Invisalign retainers are composed of a special plastic that is customized to each patient’s mouth, so there are often no incisions on the inside of the cheeks or salt washes to deal with, as there are with traditional braces.

The Cons of Invisalign

Invisalign has numerous drawbacks to consider:

  • Constraints for Patients

Removing your aligners has both pros and cons. You won’t wear your aligners for the mandatory 22 hours if you don’t put them back in after eating or brushing. The aligners may not work as well if they aren’t worn as long. The main reason Invisalign therapy fails is patient non-compliance with wearing the aligners.

  • Changing your aligners can be inconvenient.

Aside from water, aligners must be removed before eating. When out in public, remove your aligners quietly and don’t lose them.

Brush your teeth before replacing your aligners. Food particles can obstruct tooth movement and stain aligners. You’re also more prone to cavities and poor breath.

  • Cost

“Is it cheaper to have braces or Invisalign?” Because of developments in 3D scanning technology and the use of flexible materials, Invisalign aligners can be as cheap as braces.

Some treatment is difficult or impossible with Invisalign alone, therefore your Orthodontist may suggest finishing tooth placements with braces, which can be more expensive. Often likened to Invisalign, lingual (inside) braces are practically unnoticeable. Lingual braces, like Invisalign, are entirely customized and therefore more expensive.

Pros of Braces

Traditional braces, as well as the more recent lingual braces, have numerous advantages. Braces have several advantages, including the following:

  • All Treatments are suitable for this product.

It makes no difference how difficult your case is when you have braces. You may have several dental and facial concerns that need to be addressed – braces can be used to repair each one so that you can conclude therapy with a beautiful smile.

Braces work by pulling the teeth into place with the help of anchors and an archwire. In terms of shifting teeth into a desirable position, they are the most effective treatment option available today.

  • It is possible to achieve a flawless outcome.

Braces are a more effective treatment option than Invisalign. Braces provide extra stress to the teeth to shift them into the desired position. Because of the limitations of Invisalign, only a limited amount of teeth can be shifted at a time.

  • Different Types of Braces to Select From

Metal brackets and wires are no longer the only types of braces available. Lingual braces and ceramic braces are now available to patients, allowing them to have braces that are less apparent. If the appearance of metal braces is a concern for you, it is feasible to reap the benefits of braces while avoiding the metal appearance.

  • Treatment Time that is shorter

Remember to ask yourself this question: Which treatment method is more efficient: braces or Invisalign? In general, when it comes to filling gaps and aligning teeth, braces can be more effective than Invisalign in terms of treatment time.

Because many people prefer to get their orthodontic treatment completed as quickly as possible, the speed of treatment might be an important consideration.

Furthermore, the ability and experience of the specialized Orthodontist can help to ensure that treatment periods are consistently shorter.

Cons of Braces

Of course, braces have some drawbacks:

  • Brace Aesthetics

Traditional braces aren’t for everyone. They fear being judged by others for their appearance.

  • Flossing

Brushing and flossing with braces is more challenging. Plaque buildup around braces can cause discoloration and deterioration if not cleaned properly. Follow your orthodontist’s advice on how to brush and floss properly while wearing braces.

  • Diet and Nutrition

Food and drink must be consumed with caution while wearing braces. Hard and sticky foods can damage an arch wire or dislodge a bracket from a tooth. The braces will not work until the breakage is repaired. Breakages can lengthen treatment time.

  • Consultations

Braces require more frequent appointments to the orthodontist to monitor progress and modify them. Every month, your orthodontist will assess your teeth’s progress and make adjustments to keep them moving in the right direction.

Patients visit the operation every two months because Invisalign aligners are pre-made and may be replaced without an orthodontist.

Invisalign Vs Braces which is Faster

Because the aligner trays are modified throughout the course of therapy, Invisalign is typically more efficient than braces.

Every few weeks, you will return to the office to have new aligners custom-made for your specific needs and specifications.

During treatment, your aligners will alter to ensure that they are always functioning to improve the appearance of your teeth. Invisalign is a clear alternative to traditional braces that can straighten your teeth more quickly.

The majority of patients are done with therapy in one to two years, but traditional braces can take up to three years to produce meaningful improvements in some cases.

As a result, patients find Invisalign to be a more convenient and faster alternative to traditional orthodontic treatment for those seeking a beautiful, faultless smile.

Invisible Braces Vs Metal Braces

Straight teeth and a renewed smile may no longer be required to be achieved through the use of unsightly wire and bracket braces in the mouth.

Invisible Braces

Invisible braces, which improve self-esteem and physical confidence, are an esthetic and barely noticeable alternative to traditional wire/bracket braces that are used to straighten teeth.

However, while invisible braces may not be appropriate for some misalignment situations or complex bite abnormalities that are better handled by traditional orthodontics, invisible braces can be used to treat the conditions listed below:

  • Excessive biting or over jetting
  • Teeth that are too close together or too far apart
  • crooked Teeth

Because they are meant for adults and older adolescents, invisible braces are not indicated when baby teeth are still present. Traditional metal braces with brackets and wires on the front of the teeth will be required for children and younger teenagers who have orthodontic difficulties.

Only your dentist or orthodontist, however, can evaluate whether or not you are a candidate. Adults are the primary target of this alternative treatment since it necessitates absolute and uncompromising participation; the “trays” are worn for 22 hours each day and should not be forgotten or lost.

Metal Braces

Traditional braces are more effective at addressing extreme overcrowding than other solutions such as transparent braces or Invisalign aligners, and they are also less expensive than these alternatives.

Their use allows your orthodontist to reposition the teeth in modest amounts at a time, giving him the control he requires.

The most significant disadvantage of traditional braces is the metallic appearance of the mouth. While less noticeable orthodontics such as Invisalign may appear to be a better option for those who are self-conscious about their appearance, today’s braces are more aesthetically pleasing than they were in previous years, with a variety of colors options for both the brackets and the elastics to choose from.

Wearing these types of braces also eliminates the possibility of misplacing your aligners at any point during your treatment.

Invisible Braces for Adults

Even if you didn’t have braces as a child and find yourself wanting or needing adjustments again, you may be an excellent candidate for invisible braces.

Invisible braces, also known as clear aligners, work in a similar way to traditional metal braces in that they gradually adjust the position of your teeth over time.

Clear plastic aligners, which are less apparent than metal braces because they fit securely around your teeth, are used to straighten teeth.

The discreet nature of transparent aligners makes them particularly appealing to adults who may be self-conscious about metal braces, which are typically associated with children.

The majority of aligners are worn throughout the day for at least 20 hours and are only removed for eating and brushing.

When it comes to wearing your aligners in public, there are night-only solutions available, which include wearing them only at night and while you sleep for at least 10 hours.

Conclusion

The period of therapy is determined by your specific situation as well as the sort of invisible braces you are using.

Braces are typically worn for 18 to 24 months, though they may be required to be worn for a longer period.

Metal braces are the most effective since they are constructed of the strongest materials. Ceramic braces, while stronger and more attractive than metal braces, require a longer time to complete since they are not as sturdy as metal braces. Inside braces may also require more time to be effective than outside braces.

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singapore healthcare system pros and cons

Singapore healthcare system pros and cons

chibueze uchegbu | September 27th, 2021


The Singapore healthcare system pros and cons are made simple in this piece of write-up.

Singapore healthcare is an outstanding one in Asia and the globe at large, however, with many benefits accruing from this system, there are equally many challenges the healthcare system faces.

On a general note, the public utilizes both private and public healthcare however, there is a preference for private over public because of convenience and time.

However, when it comes to complicated healthcare issues, people prefer to make use of the public over private healthcare due to the belief that public healthcare facilities are more equipped or sophisticated compared to private healthcare facilities.

Introduction to Singapore healthcare system pros and cons

Over the years, Singapore’s healthcare system has remained a benchmark for many nations as such is rated among the best health care system in the world.

The specific features of the Singapore healthcare system are unique and have been described as a very difficult system to replicate elsewhere.

Amidst these credits, there are also many that are not satisfied with the system thus the essence of this topic is to clarify this curiosity on the Singapore healthcare pros and cons.

The Singaporean healthcare system has a strong ground in preventive medicine and health and that gives a better edge in having an effective and efficient healthcare system.

The Singaporean healthcare system is supervised by the Ministry of Health of the Singapore Government. It largely consists of a government-run publicly funded universal healthcare system which is delivered through various schemes.

About 2 decades ago, Singapore was ranked by the WHO as the 6th of the world health care systems. In 2017, the Bloomberg Global Health Index ranked Singapore as number 4 in the world.

Singapore healthcare system pros and cons

Below we will be looking at some of the Singapore healthcare pros and cons which are essential for everyone to know; but first and foremost, let’s consider the pros which are the reasons why the healthcare system keeps soaring.

Singapore healthcare system pros and cons THE PROS

The pros of this health care system are the good points and the advantages which are not limited to the ones listed below;

  • Low cost of medications
  • Technologically driven health facilities
  • The public-private balance
  • Good regulatory governance
  • Good information sharing
  • Relatively cheaper healthcare system
  • Functional insurance schemes
  • Free Home hospice services

Low cost of medications

When one talks about Singapore’s health care system, one of the things that comes to mind is the low cost of drugs/medication.

The big question now is, how do they manage to bring the cost of their medications that low? Most of the drugs in circulation in Singapore are manufactured in neighboring countries like Malaysia.

The ease in shipping and proximity alongside effective government policies facilitate the low cost of medication in Singapore as such people pride in their health system.

Technologically driven health facilities

The globe advances with the advancement in technology. Having a health institution that is not technologically innovated is a decay to the health system.

Singaporeans strive to make sure their health facilities are modern and updated for efficiency in healthcare service delivery. These technologically driven facilities are pros in the Singapore health care system.

The public-private balance

Singapore’s universal health coverage system is largely overseen by the government’s Ministry of Health but also includes maximum support from citizens and the private sector.  Also, the government weighs its citizens’ values as a social determinant of health.

Good regulatory governance

Through welcoming government policies, there is an encouragement of free-market competition and choice, the government makes substantial targeted investments in areas where market failures would make healthcare costs unaffordable.

This approach is among the pros of the Singapore healthcare system, it also controls the dominant public hospitals and supply of doctors.

Good information sharing 

In this blog post on Singapore’s health care pros and cons, one of the advantages of this health care system is that everything you need to know about the system is made clear.

And clever communication relationship that encourages output is created in the system as such this is a proper engagement in different health sectors.

Relatively cheaper healthcare system

Singapore is famous for its exemplary health care standard. It is positioned amongst the best systems in Asia and the globe at large.

The government of Singapore ensures that medical care is accessible and available to everyone. However, it is essential to note this about Singapore’s national health scheme.

No medical service is provided free of charge, regardless of the level of subsidy, even within the public healthcare system.

To promote competition, the Singapore health Ministry publishes the costs of procedures at every hospital as such helping to curb overpricing amongst that is the effective national price controls and top-down management.

The government sets limits on bills paid under Medisave or Medishield, as well as the number and kind of services you can receive. For instance, advanced diagnostic tests require a wait if you expect to pay for them through Medisave or Medishield.

Although through relevant policies and approaches put in place, the healthcare services are cheaper compared to most nations of the world.

Functional insurance schemes

The government adopts a diversified but integrated process that involves Individual saving plans for acute medical care consumption, and a defined coverage for medical insurance.

singapore healthcare system pros and cons

Singaporeans are automatically enrolled in Medishield, a low-cost insurance program for major or prolonged illnesses that their Medisave balance won’t cover. Medishield has a deductible and copayments along with government-defined benefits.

If you can’t cover your costs through Medisave and Medishield, the government steps in to cover doctors’ bills for chronic or acute conditions and some dental work. There are special funds to cover needy children and prenatal care.

Free Home hospice services

Home hospice services are free and there are subsidized options for home nursing and long-term care for seniors. If you can’t afford the cost, you may get subsidized care in a private nursing home.

Singapore healthcare system pros and cons THE CONS

Let’s take a look at some of the cons that come with the Singapore health care system. There is a saying that everything that has advantages has disadvantages also, however, this is no exemption from the healthcare system of Singapore.

Amidst the pros of the Singaporean health care system, there are also these challenges as stated below;

  • Low labor costs
  • Heavy dependence on institutions
  • Expensive Long-Term Care Costs
  • Long Waiting Hours in Hospital

Low labor costs

Among the cons of the Singapore health care system is that the medical staff are among the overworked medical staff worldwide, and receive in general less than half the pay of US medical staff.

It is important to note that the working hour restriction DOES NOT apply to healthcare workers.  I would say, most health workers work an average of 60-90 hours weekly.

Heavy dependence on institutions

Singapore’s healthcare system relies heavily on institutions that were the most effective method of tackling healthcare issues in the past.

That is so because they focus mostly on preventive medicine and centralization which was key in treating patients with acute diseases like smallpox and tuberculosis.

This approach is currently a move in the wrong direction and is considered among the cons of the Singapore health care system because the ranging diseases that are threats to the health care system currently are chronic diseases which may include but are not limited to diseases like liver failure, diabetes, and cardiac ailments.

Expensive Long-Term Care Costs

It is very common for the aged to suffer from dementia or other neurological conditions; however, long-term care is expensive despite subsidies.

Caring for older people is very demanding and costly even in nursing homes. Lack of Long-Term Ageing Alternatives.

Usually, the first point of healthcare is the institutions, whether it is the clinics or hospitals and for long-term care, patients’ options are also limited to institutions like a community hospital or a nursing home.

Long Waiting Hours in Hospitals

This is among the cons of a universal health care system generally. There is always the tendency of people to wait in the queue for a longer period of time most especially in public hospitals because one would have access to the doctors.

This is usually tiring and considered among the cons of the Singapore healthcare system.

Conclusion on Singapore healthcare system pros and cons

There is no doubt, that this is a benchmark for many and as such stands out among the best in Asia and the globe at large.

However, they strive toward being better and there are many things to be reconsidered. Amidst the commendation of the Singaporean healthcare system, it is equally important to note that there are challenges this healthcare system faces as outlined above.

We are open to recommendations and suggestions. Kindly air your view in the comment box.

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uNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE PROS AND CONS

Current universal health care pros and cons

Pharm. Somtochukwu | May 13th, 2021


The universal health care pros and cons are of great importance. This article gives a great insight into universal healthcare pros and cons.

Universal health care refers to any action that a government takes to provide health care to as many people as possible at cheaper or no cost directly.

Some governments do this by setting minimum standards and regulations and some by implementing programs that cover the entire population.

It would interest you to know The economic benefits of univers healthcare system

The healthcare system has universal healthcare pros and cons however, the cardinal aim of a universal healthcare system is to cover medical bills for all bona fide citizens. Universal health care pros and cons cannot are essential for all to know.

Introduction to universal health care pros and cons

However, lower-income or those diagnosed with specific serious health conditions would have access to government-funded care. Essentially, it would be an expansion of the current Medicaid system with a few additional caveats.

universal health care pros and cons

Universal health care is a system that provides quality medical services to all citizens. The federal government offers it to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Before we proceed is essential you consider what pros and cons mean. Pro is a Latin root word meaning for. If you make a list of pros and cons, you are listing the reasons for doing something and the reasons not to, respectively.

In a nutshell, the universal healthcare pros and cons are the advantages and disadvantages of the universal healthcare system

Therefore, universal health care pros and cons are an essential part of any health system.

Universal healthcare pros and cons

We will look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of the universal healthcare system. There is a saying that no matter how good a system tends to be, there is always something missing.

This health care system is adopted by many countries for even cheaper health service delivery for the citizens yet, it faces many criticisms from individuals and organizations.

Universal healthcare pros or advantages

  • The right to health care is a  recognized human right
  • Lowers overall healthcare costs
  • It Could Increase Demand for Medical Services
  • Administrative costs subsidy
  • Standardizes service
  • A right to health care could make medical services affordable for everyone.
  • Creation of healthier workforce
  • Early childhood care prevents future social costs
  • Guides people to make healthier choices
  • A right to health care could save lives
  • Providing all citizens the right to health care is good for economic productivity.
  • A right to health care could improve public health
  • Providing a right to health care could benefit private businesses.
  • A right to health care could stop medical bankruptcies

The right to health care is an internationally recognized human right

In 2005, the United States and the other member states of the World Health Organization signed World Health Assembly resolution 58.33, which stated that everyone should have access to healthcare services and should not suffer financial hardship when obtaining these services.

According to a peer-reviewed study in the Lancet, “ right-to-health features are not just good management, justice, or humanitarianism; they are obligations under human-rights law.”

Lowers overall health care cost in “universal health care pros and cons”

In a universal health system, the government controls the prices through negotiation and regulation thereby lowering the health cost.

This is a pro of the universal health system.  Low-class individuals can have access to quality health care not considering their status.

It Could Increase Demand for Medical Services

The biggest benefit to this type of system is that it could make medical services affordable for more patients. In turn, this means more people seeking out healthcare who might have attempted self-care or no treatment at all.

For those in certain specialty practices, this has a good chance of meaning an increase in the number of patients. Why? Those who currently don’t have coverage for certain niche types of care would now be able to seek medical advice.

This is a great prospect for practitioners who want to keep their schedules full and their billing on pace with clinic goals.

Administrative costs subsidy

The cost of administration in a universal system is affordable therefore lifting burdens on the shoulders of young doctors.

For instance, doctors only deal with one government agency. For example, U.S. doctors spend four times as much as Canadians dealing with insurance companies.3

Standardizes service

In a competitive environment like the United States, health care providers must also focus on profit. They do this by offering the newest technology. They offer expensive services and pay doctors more. They try to compete by targeting the wealthy.

A right to health care could make medical services affordable for everyone.

According to a Gallup Poll, paying for health care is the biggest financial problem for US households.

A 2018 survey published by Becker’s Healthcare found that 22% of Americans found paying their deductible was “very difficult” or “impossible” and 64% reported that they delayed or did not seek medical care due to cost.

The cost of US family health insurance premiums increased 80% in the United States between 2003 and 2013. The cost of health insurance premiums for people who do not get coverage through work increased by 105% between 2013 and 2017.

Creation of a healthier workforce in universal health care pros and cons 

Studies show that preventive care reduces the need for expensive emergency room usage.

Without access to preventive care, 46% of emergency room patients went because they had no other place to go. They used the emergency room as their primary care physician. This healthcare inequality is a big reason for the rising cost of medical care.

Early childhood care prevents future social costs

These include crime, welfare dependency, and health issues.6 Health education teaches families how to make healthy lifestyle choices, preventing chronic diseases.

Guides people to make healthier choices

Governments can impose regulations and taxes to guide the population toward healthier choices. Regulations make unhealthy choices, such as drugs, illegal. Sin taxes, such as those on cigarettes and alcohol, make them more expensive.

A right to health care could save lives

According to a study from Harvard researchers, “lack of health insurance is associated with as many as 44,789 deaths per year,” which translates into a 40% increased risk of death among the uninsured.

Another study found that more than 13,000 deaths occur each year just in the 55-64-year-old age group due to lack of health insurance coverage.

Providing all citizens the right to health care is good for economic productivity.

When people have access to health care, they live healthier lives and miss work less, allowing them to contribute more to the economy.

A study by researchers at the Universities of Colorado and Pennsylvania showed that workers with health insurance miss an average of 4.7 fewer work days than employees without health insurance. According to an Institute of Medicine report, the US economy loses $65-$130 billion annually because of diminished worker productivity, due to poor health, and premature deaths, among the uninsured

A right to health care could improve public health

According to a study in The Lancet that looked at data from over 100 countries, “evidence suggests that broader health coverage generally leads to better access to necessary care and improved population health, particularly for poor people.”

In the United States, people are 33% less likely to have a regular doctor, 25% more likely to have unmet health needs, and over 50% more likely to not obtain needed medicines compared to their Canadian counterparts who have a universal right to healthcare.

Providing a right to health care could benefit private businesses

If the United States implemented a universal right to health care, businesses would no longer have to pay for employee health insurance policies. As of 2017, 56% of Americans were receiving health insurance through their employer.

According to the Council on Foreign Relations, some economists believe the high costs of employee health insurance place US companies at a “competitive disadvantage in the international marketplace

A right to health care could stop medical bankruptcies

According to the National Bankruptcy Forum, medical debt is the #1 reason people file for bankruptcy in the United States.

In 2017, about 33% of all Americans with medical bills reported that they “were unable to pay for basic necessities like food, heat, or housing.”

If all US citizens were provided health care under a single-payer system medical bankruptcy would no longer exist, because the government, not private citizens, would pay all medical bills.

Universal healthcare cons or disadvantages

  • Healthy people pay for the sick
  • Longer wait times
  • Health care costs overwhelm government budgets
  • The government may limit services that have a low probability of success
  • A right to health care could increase debt and deficit.
  • Providing a right to health care could raise taxes.
  • Providing a right to health care could worsen a doctor shortage

Healthy people pay for the sick

Healthy people pay for others’ medical care: Chronic diseases make up 90% of health care costs. The sickest 5% of the population creates 50% of total healthcare costs, while the wealthiest 50% only creates 3% of costs. Equally, People have less financial incentive to stay healthy: Without a copay, people might overuse emergency rooms and doctors.

Longer wait times in “universal health care pros and cons”

There are long wait times for elective procedures: The government focuses on providing basic and emergency health care.

Medicaid is an example of a federally funded single-payer health care system that provides a right to health care for low-income people.

According to a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, 9.4% of Medicaid beneficiaries have had trouble obtaining necessary care due to long wait times, versus 4.2% of people with private health insurance.

Health care costs overwhelm government budgets

Health care costs overwhelm government budgets. For example, some Canadian provinces spend almost 40% of their budgets on health care. In the same vein, doctors may cut care to lower costs if they aren’t well paid by cost-cutting governments: For example, doctors report Medicare payment cuts will force them to close many in-house blood testing labs.

The government may limit those services with a low probability of success

This includes drugs for rare conditions and expensive end-of-life care. In the United States, care for patients in the last six years of life makes up one-fourth of the Medicare budget.

A right to health care could increase debt and deficit

Spending on Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, all government programs that provide a right to health care for certain segments of the population, totaled less than 10% of the federal budget in 1985, but by 2012 these programs took up 21% of the federal budget and are predicted to reach 30% of federal spending by 2028.

According to former US House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI), government health care programs drive “the explosive growth in our spending and debt.

Providing a right to health care could raise taxes

In European countries with a universal right to health care, the cost of coverage is paid through higher taxes.

In the United Kingdom and other European countries, payroll taxes average 37% – much higher than the 15.3% payroll taxes paid by the average US worker.

According to Paul R. Gregory, Ph.D, a Research Fellow at the Hoover Institution, financing a universal right to health care in the United States would cause payroll taxes to double.

Providing a right to health care could worsen a doctor shortage

The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) predicts a shortfall of up to 104,900 doctors by 2030.

If a right to health care were guaranteed to all, this shortage could be much worse. Doctor shortages in the United States have led to a 30% increase in wait times for doctor appointments between 2014 and 2017.

Types of universal health care systems in ” universal health care pros and cons “

There are essentially three ways to provide universal health care.

  • Private insurance
  • Single-payer system
  • Socialized medicine

Private insurance

The third system is to allow private insurance companies to regulate them and mandate that everyone purchase some type of health insurance plan.

universal health care pros and cons

Switzerland has regulated health insurance and the Affordable Care Act, which was passed in 2010, is an attempt to build a mandated health insurance system in the United States

Single-payer system

The second solution is to have a single-payer system, like Canada. Under a single-payer system, the government provides health insurance for everyone, but doctor’s offices and hospitals are still private businesses or nonprofits.

This type of system allows people more choice between doctors and hospitals with different approaches to care, but it also costs more than socialized medicine.

Socialized medicine

In this case, all hospitals would be owned by the government and all doctors and nurses would be government employees.

However, both doctors and patients have less choice in the range of treatments and procedures that are available to them.

In the universal health care pros and cons, it is essential you know that what works for A might not be suitable for B.

Countries with a universal health care system

There are  over 70 countries with universal health care systems everyone ought to know;

  • Bhutan
  • China
  • Hong Kong
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Israel
  • Japan
  • Kuwait
  • Macau
  • Malaysia
  • Maldives
  • Pakistan
  • Philippines
  • Singapore
  • South Korea
  • Sri Lanka
  • Taiwan
  • Thailand
  • Costa Rica
  • Cuba
  • Mexico
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Colombia
  • Peru
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • Algeria
  • Botswana
  • Burkina Faso
  • Egypt
  • Ghana
  • Mauritius
  • Morocco
  • Rwanda
  • Seychelles
  • South Africa
  • Tunisia
  • Albania
  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Bulgaria
  • Croatia
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Finland
  • France
  • Georgia
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Iceland
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Luxembourg
  • Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Portugal
  • Romania
  • Russia
  • Serbia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Turkey
  • England
  • Northern Ireland
  • Scotland
  • Wales
  • Isle of Man
  • Guernsey / Jersey
  • The Bahamas
  • Canada

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