Literature review Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Literature review - Essay Example The health care industry in any given country is as much a system and an industry. In the case of Australia, the health care system is not managed hierarchically. It is not also designed centrally by the government. The participants in the health care in Australia, namely the consumers and the providers, do enjoy a great degree of autonomy and independence. Nonetheless, the health care system occupies an important portion in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Australia—the health care sector currently accounts for 9.7% of this GDP (Podger, 2005, p. 1). In spite of the degree of freedom enjoyed by health care practitioners and recipients, the government still plays a large part in the industry. According to Podger (2005, p. 1-2), the objectives of the health care system are (1) good health for the citizens; (2) health care is equitable, meaning it is available and accessible to all citizens, taking into account their capacity to pay; (3) costs reasonably low; and (4) the satisfaction of consumers and of health care professionals. To meet these objectives, the government, inevitably intervenes. In the interest of promoting equity, the government reallocates its resources to meet the needs of the population. Secondly, health has several features that involve public goods; as such, the government is also involved in the prevention of diseases and the safety of foods and drugs. The role of the government becomes especially important because of market failures as well as the provision of asymmetric or incomplete information. Especially in the case of the health insurance industry, the government steps in to regulate the industry so that the consumers are protected and are given the health care they need at the right cost (Podger, 2005, p. 3). Yet, in order for the health care system to be efficient and for it to become accessible to all sectors, both the public and the