The Current State of Modern Healthcare: A Critical Examination
The landscape of modern healthcare is a labyrinth of intertwined systems, regulations, and interests. From medical treatments to psychological care, the journey through the healthcare system can be daunting, often leaving individuals feeling lost and confused. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the current state of the medical and psychological (mental health) systems, exploring the role of various stakeholders such as big pharma, insurance companies, and regulatory bodies like the FDA. We’ll examine both facts and conspiracies, weigh the pros and cons, and discuss practical ways to navigate and potentially mitigate the shortcomings of this complex system.
While I do not have solid answers for every question, my goal is to get you thinking and asking about these problems yourself. Perhaps with enough people talking about these problems we can begin to come up with better solutions.
Some of the major factors impacting our Healthcare system and some unanswered questions-
- Private Insurance Dominance: The U.S. healthcare system is primarily based on private health insurance. Many Americans obtain health coverage through their employers, and there are also government programs like Medicaid and Medicare that provide coverage to certain groups. Why can’t we afford healthcare without insurance?
- High Costs: The United States has some of the highest healthcare costs in the world. This has been a major concern for both individuals and the government. High drug prices, administrative costs, and the fee-for-service payment system have all contributed to the high cost of care. Some countries have banned marketing of medications to consumers, but the U.S. is not one of them. Why is the cost so high?
- Uneven Access: Access to healthcare can be unequal, with some Americans facing barriers to care due to factors like income, location, or pre-existing conditions. This can result in disparities in health outcomes. How can insurance companies refuse to insure people? This concept is widely accepted in the U.S. without any blow back from citizens.
- Reform Efforts: There have been ongoing efforts to reform the healthcare system in the U.S. The Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, was a significant reform aimed at increasing access to healthcare and regulating insurance practices, but there were also many critical issues with this as well. Why don’t we follow what other countries are successfully doing and emulate them?
- Political Divides: Healthcare remains a politically divisive issue, with differing opinions on the best approach to providing healthcare to Americans. This has led to significant debates and policy changes over the years. Healthcare should not be in the hands of politicians and corrupt policy makers. So many hands are in the healthcare “pot” that it’s become nothing but money and politics these days. I would like to say that healthcare should be between doctors and their patients, but this is even questionable now. How do politicians decide what is best for patients if they have no medical education? Who is responsible for overseeing where they get their information and the real evidence backing up their policies?
- Outdated Healthcare Education/Training: Most of our doctors are trained to medicate and address symptoms. Out model does not focus on prevention and healthy practices overall. Medical professionals are not given much in regard to nutrition (which has also been a corrupted industry), physical fitness, supplementation and alternative or complimentary therapies. Why is this so backwards?
Aseem Malhotra, a British cardiologist, author, and advocate for lifestyle medicine, emphasizes the importance of prioritizing preventive measures and addressing the root causes of chronic diseases within healthcare. His biggest message revolves around promoting a paradigm shift in healthcare towards focusing on lifestyle interventions, such as diet, exercise, stress management, and sleep, as primary methods for preventing and managing chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Malhotra advocates for a more holistic approach to healthcare that empowers individuals to take control of their health through lifestyle modifications rather than relying solely on medications and medical interventions. He also emphasizes the need for greater transparency and accountability within the healthcare system, particularly in relation to the influence of the food industry and pharmaceutical companies on public health policies and practices. Overall, Malhotra’s message underscores the importance of empowering individuals with the knowledge and tools to prioritize their health and well-being through sustainable lifestyle choices.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/43D9PMFx0j9BdbpcS9meBY?si=pyhgued0SDCAQAeIS7Hcww
Healthcare insurance became a necessity in the United States during the mid-20th century, notably spurred by the conditions of World War II. With the imposition of wage freezes, employers began offering healthcare coverage as a means to attract and retain workers, leading to the widespread adoption of employer-sponsored health insurance. The pivotal moment came in 1943 when the IRS ruled that employer contributions to employee health insurance were tax-exempt, solidifying this practice as a standard part of compensation packages.
Subsequent regulatory efforts, such as the passage of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) in 1974, further regulated employer-sponsored health plans, providing protections for participants and beneficiaries. Despite these advancements, gaps in healthcare access persisted, leading to the introduction of government programs like Medicare and Medicaid in the mid-1960s to provide coverage for seniors and low-income individuals. Today, healthcare insurance is widely regarded as a necessity in the United States due to the high costs of medical care and the financial risks associated with illness or injury, spurring ongoing debates and efforts to reform the healthcare system and expand access to coverage for all Americans. Some people “must work” just to afford their healthcare. This is ridiculous! Imagine what one could do if this wasn’t a major concern. What career would you have if funding healthcare wasn’t a concern? Personally, I have held on to toxic jobs just to be “safe in case something happens.” What kind of quality of life can that really provide?
Prior to the widespread adoption of healthcare insurance in the mid-20th century, people primarily paid for healthcare expenses out of pocket or relied on other means to cover the costs. In the early 20th century, healthcare was much less expensive compared to today, and medical care was often provided by individual practitioners, clinics, or hospitals, with fees paid directly by patients or their families. However, this did lead to several issues.
For routine medical care, individuals typically paid their healthcare providers directly at the time of service, similar to how many people pay for services like dental care or optometry today. This fee-for-service model meant that patients bore the full financial responsibility for their medical expenses, and there were few mechanisms in place to help manage or mitigate the costs.
In cases of serious illness or injury that required hospitalization or specialized care, individuals often relied on personal savings, assistance from family members, or charitable organizations to cover the expenses. However, the high cost of such care could pose significant financial burdens for many families, leading to the risk of bankruptcy or foregoing necessary medical treatment altogether. THIS STILL HAPPENS TODAY! Overall, access to healthcare was often limited by financial means, and the lack of widespread insurance coverage meant that healthcare was largely a privilege afforded to those who could afford it. Sound familiar? What has truly changed then to actually make things better?
It’s important to note that the state of healthcare has changed over time due to legislative, policy, and economic factors, so the situation may have evolved since my last research. As for conspiracy theories, healthcare, like any complex system, can be a topic of misinformation and conspiracies.
The Influence of Big Pharma:
One of the most prominent players in the healthcare arena is undoubtedly the pharmaceutical industry, often referred to as “big pharma.” While pharmaceutical companies have undoubtedly contributed to medical advancements, their influence on healthcare practices and policies cannot be ignored. Critics argue that big pharma prioritizes profits over patient well-being, leading to inflated drug prices, aggressive marketing tactics, and even the suppression of alternative therapies.
Conspiracy theories abound, suggesting that pharmaceutical companies may deliberately withhold cures in favor of long-term treatment regimens that generate more revenue. While such claims may seem far-fetched, there have been instances of companies engaging in unethical practices, such as the infamous case of Purdue Pharma’s role in the opioid crisis.
However, it’s essential to recognize that not all pharmaceutical companies operate in bad faith. Many researchers and scientists within these companies are genuinely dedicated to improving health outcomes and developing life-saving medications. Nonetheless, the influence of big pharma on healthcare policies and practices remains a subject of concern and warrants ongoing scrutiny.
Watch as Rep. Katie Porter of California lays into a big pharma CEO for putting profits first.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOftaNdqIUk
Furthermore, the fragmented nature of the insurance system in many countries contributes to administrative inefficiencies and disparities in access to care. Those with comprehensive coverage may receive timely and high-quality treatment, while others may struggle to afford even basic medical services.
Conspiracies regarding insurance companies often revolve around accusations of collusion with healthcare providers to drive up costs and maximize profits. While such allegations may not apply universally, they underscore the need for greater transparency and accountability within the insurance industry.
FDA Guidelines and Preventative Care:
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plays a crucial role in regulating the safety and efficacy of medical treatments and products. However, the FDA’s guidelines and policies regarding preventative care have come under scrutiny in recent years. Critics argue that the agency’s focus on pharmaceutical interventions often overlooks the importance of holistic approaches to health and wellness.
Conspiracy theories suggest that the FDA may be influenced by lobbying efforts from big pharma, leading to the approval of medications and treatments that prioritize profits over public health. Additionally, the FDA’s approval process for dietary supplements and alternative therapies has been criticized for being opaque and inconsistent. I encourage you to see who provides funding to entities like the FDA and other organizations that are searching for “cures” to many of our healthcare maladies.
FOLLOW THE MONEY! This should be a good rule of thumb for anything you are researching nowdays.
So-Called Conspiracies
Some common healthcare-related “conspiracy theories” include:
Vaccine and Medication Conspiracies: These often involve claims about the safety and efficacy of medications and vaccines, such as the questionable link between vaccines and autism. Many people are unaware of the atrocities committed by countries like the U.S. in regard to how they have experimented with vaccines and medications in other parts of the world. For example: The medication that significantly impacted Puerto Rican women’s health is the birth control pill. In the 1950s and 1960s, Puerto Rico became a testing ground for contraceptive research, largely due to its status as a territory of the United States and its high birth rate.
Pharmaceutical companies, including G.D. Searle and Company conducted trials of the birth control pill on the island’s population. However, the testing of the birth control pill in Puerto Rico was controversial and had significant implications for women’s health. Many women were not fully informed about the potential risks and side effects of the pill, and some reported experiencing adverse reactions. Additionally, the testing of the pill coincided with a period of intense population control efforts on the island, raising concerns about reproductive rights and autonomy.
The history of the birth control pill in Puerto Rico highlights broader issues related to medical experimentation, informed consent, and reproductive justice. It serves as a reminder of the importance of ethical considerations and informed decision-making in medical research, particularly when vulnerable populations are involved.
I won’t even talk about the COVID-19 vaccines, as all the devastating information about these vaccines are still being brought to light and is ongoing (may post on this in the future).
Presidential candidate Robert Kennedy Jr. talks about vaccines in this podcast. He has been consistently “cancelled” and prevented from speaking out about our current system. I implore you to listen carefully to what he is saying and then do your own research.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3DQfcTY4viyXsIXQ89NXvg?si=nm6Sl8faT5itOu_-_oYCOg
Big Pharma Conspiracies: Some conspiracy theories claim that pharmaceutical companies are hiding cures for diseases to keep selling expensive treatments, or that they are involved in other nefarious activities. One of the most well-known and extensively documented cases is the opioid crisis in the United States, involving pharmaceutical companies such as Purdue Pharma. The “conspiracy” revolves around allegations that certain pharmaceutical companies, including Purdue Pharma, engaged in deceptive marketing practices to promote opioid painkillers such as OxyContin. These companies allegedly downplayed the risks of addiction and misrepresented the drugs’ safety and effectiveness, leading to widespread overprescribing and misuse. Evidence suggests that pharmaceutical companies aggressively marketed opioids to physicians, influencing prescribing practices and contributing to the overprescription of these highly addictive drugs. Additionally, there are allegations that companies lobbied lawmakers and regulatory agencies to minimize regulations and oversight, further exacerbating the crisis. The consequences of the opioid crisis have been devastating, with millions of Americans becoming addicted to prescription opioids, leading to overdose deaths, addiction, and social upheaval. The crisis has prompted lawsuits, regulatory reforms, and public outcry, shedding light on the power and influence of big pharma and the need for greater accountability in the pharmaceutical industry.
Did you know that the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine, developed by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and the PATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative (MVI), was launched in a large-scale pilot implementation program in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2019? The program aimed to assess the vaccine’s effectiveness, safety, and feasibility in real-world settings. However, in April 2022, the WHO announced the discontinuation of the vaccine’s use in routine immunization programs in Africa due to concerns over its cost-effectiveness and limited impact on reducing malaria cases. Despite providing some protection against malaria, the vaccine’s overall effectiveness fell short of expectations, and the high cost of implementation posed a significant barrier to its widespread adoption. The decision to halt the vaccine program underscores the ongoing challenges in malaria control and the need for more cost-effective and impactful interventions.
While the discontinuation of the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine represents a setback in the fight against malaria, efforts to develop new and improved vaccines against the disease continue. Researchers are exploring innovative vaccine candidates and strategies to enhance efficacy and durability. Additionally, ongoing investments in other proven malaria prevention and control measures, such as insecticide-treated bed nets and antimalarial medications, remain critical in reducing the burden of malaria in endemic regions. Despite this setback, the commitment to malaria eradication persists, with continued collaboration among governments, international organizations, and the private sector to develop comprehensive and sustainable approaches to combat this deadly disease.
Bill Gates is not directly involved with any government agencies. However, through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, he and his ex-wife, Melinda Gates, have collaborated with various governmental and non-governmental organizations worldwide to address global health issues, poverty, and education.
For the remainder of the article go to: The Current State of Modern Healthcare: A Critical Examination — All For Myself
