In pursuit of excellence: A comparison between the United States and Thai health systems and access to care

Globally, the notion of health as a human right has a variety of interpretations. The interpretation of this ideal leads to how healthcare systems are organized, specifically in terms of an individual’s true access to healthcare services. In this comparative analysis of healthcare systems in the Kingdom of Thailand and the United States of America, healthcare access is evaluated using the Lovett-Scott and Prather model, in which systems are broken into eight categories: historical reference; structure; finance; interventional services; preventative services; resources; major health issues; and health disparities. When viewed superficially, the nations’ healthcare systems appear to be vastly different; however, an exhaustive comparison identifies several similarities as well as areas for further development. Additionally, this study emphasizes the need for health promotion, preventative services and the adoption of universal healthcare coverage. \ud \ud In an ever expanding world, comparing global healthcare delivery strategies can lead to improved systems and increased access to healthcare services. This comparison has public health relevance as healthcare reform that results in increased access to preventative and interventional services can produce healthier individuals and communities. Nations with healthier populations are able to not only divert national spending on healthcare towards preventative services, thus decreasing costs, but also improve the economy by investing in citizens who contribute to the workforce