Healthcare is essential for everyone, but there is ongoing debate over whether it should prioritize profit or patient care. Some argue that profit leads to better hospitals and new treatments, while others believe it makes healthcare too expensive and unfair. The tragic death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson made people pay more attention to problems in the healthcare system, like costs and denied treatments. It might lead to changes in how healthcare companies operate to be more fair and honest. It is crucial to value patients and truly understand their needs rather than focus solely on costs. Many wonder whether healthcare is more of a business than a basic human right. Ultimately, healthcare should be about keeping people healthy.
Furthermore, in countries where healthcare operates as a business, people often pay high costs for doctor visits, medication and insurance. The United States spends more on healthcare than any other country, with nearly $4.5 trillion allocated to healthcare and health insurance. When healthcare prioritizes profit, low-income individuals often cannot afford treatment, leading to higher rates of illness and death. Profit-driven healthcare can lead to medical breakthroughs, but these treatments are sometimes only accessible to the wealthy. In contrast, countries like Canada and the United Kingdom offer free or low-cost healthcare, and their populations often experience longer, healthier lives. When hospitals and pharmaceutical companies prioritize money, they may overcharge for medication.
Secondly, in the United States, private companies that own healthcare facilities “have been linked to higher death rates because they focus on saving money, not patient care,” Dr. Eileen O’Grady said in her testimony on healthcare. When profit is the main focus, it can result in understaffing and lower-quality care, which ultimately harms patients.
An increasing number of healthcare businesses are owned by large corporations, shifting the focus from patient care to corporate earnings.
Also, when corporations prioritize profits, patient care can suffer because financial gain takes precedence over ethical responsibilities and patient well-being. The death of the UnitedHealthcare CEO made people notice problems like costs and denied care. Companies might have to be fairer because making money sometimes comes before helping patients.
When healthcare providers are owned by large corporations, care can become less personal and more about financial incentives. This shift can lead to shorter appointment times, higher patient loans and more standardized treatments. This will ultimately lead to society not having trust in their healthcare providers.
Dr. Atul Gawande stated in “The New Yorkers” that prioritizing profit makes it harder for doctors to connect with patients and provide the care they need to survive.
When the primary goal is financial gain, it can damage the doctor-patient relationship, leading to lower-quality care. Doctors may be pressured to see more patients in less time, reducing the quality of conversation and really helping the patient and making them feel comfortable.
Experts believe healthcare should prioritize what is best for the patient. Patients might also go through unnecessary treatments just so healthcare companies can make more money. This will cause major problems in the healthcare system and can even cause harm for patients.
“We need a healthcare system that cares about people’s needs. I have worked too hard to not care for these patients as they should be cared for,” Dr. Rishi Manchanda said in his recent Ted Talk.
When healthcare prioritizes patients, it leads to better health outcomes and fosters a greater sense of care and compassion. Doctors take the time to listen, understand problems and provide the best treatment. Patients should feel valued and trust their doctors more.
Lastly, in the debate over whether healthcare should focus on profit or patient care, the evidence is clear when money becomes the primary goal, patient care suffers. Experts such as Dr. Eileen O’Grady and Dr. Atul Gawande warn that profit-driven healthcare leads to higher costs, worse treatment and less personalized care. While businesses need to generate revenue, healthcare is not just another industry, it is about saving lives.
