Weekend/News/Comment & Analysis:
Aimee Barnes comes to grips with the differences of the Chinese and American healthcare systems with first hand experience
Viewpoint by Aimee Barnes
I’ve succumbed to a temporary physical meltdown, beginning with one issue, which landed me in two different New York City hospitals. The symptoms of the ulcer have since been compounded by a virus resembling the flu, which I likely picked up in the emergency ward at the first hospital, considering that several patients I came in contact with were openly discussing their H1N1 symptoms.
(I refuse to jump on that train).
After the rather shoddy treatment I received at these “prestigious” New York City hospitals despite having an excellent health insurance plan, I have chosen to avoid going back a third time at all costs. To summarize and without going into detail, if the US does in fact have the best medical care in the world, then we’re all in trouble.
With this fiasco in mind, some incredibly negative press on China’s medical care has surfaced over the past week, the most publicized of which involved the accidental death of a swine flu patient, who was electrocuted in a hospital bathroom while taking a shower. Complaints over H1N1 quarantine continue to surface along with other scandals, including the dumping of aborted fetuses and mistreatment of psychiatric patients.
Unfortunately, I’ve spent my fair share of time in US and Chinese hospital wards, mainly because I act like I have a stomach of steel when in reality it resembles rice paper (note to self: keep your chopsticks away from live seafood. If it’s still moving, politely decline a taste). While I have never been overly impressed with the quality of care I received in China, I cannot honestly state that America’s healthcare system, from a personal perspective, far exceeds that of China’s. In fact, in some respects concerning emergency care- like wait times, bedside manners, and IV injection- I’d probably prefer a hospital in Beijing over one in New York City. It should be no surprise by now that in terms of financial equality and healthcare, America’s record is abysmal.
My point is, as tragic as the accidental death of the swine flu patient in China is, it’s important to keep things in perspective. Medical error is a leading cause of death in the US, accounting for an estimated 90,000-250,000 fatalities a year, depending on the statistical methods used and which interest group you’re referencing. US hospitals are also no strangers to negligence and subsequent cover-ups, as recently seen in the death of Esmin Green. In terms of China dumping aborted fetuses, only a few years ago we saw similar egregious actions by a hospital in England. And, reports continue to surface regarding abuse- both physical and sexual- in psychiatric wards and nursing homes across the United States.
It is evident that China’s healthcare system still has a long way to go and is in dire need of a makeover. On the other hand, I cannot help but think about a comment an American had made to me in China following IV treatment I’d received: “Oh, they use dirty needles all the time. You probably have AIDS now.” Joke or not, this was an incredibly sad and uneducated assessment to make- one that I believe exemplifies a great disconnect between East and West. When we talk about medical care we are dealing with a global issue, and one which should be addressed with a certain amount of objectivity. Would I be frightened to receive an operation at a Chinese hospital? You betcha. But, I probably wouldn’t feel much better about getting surgery in the United States. Hey, it’s a gamble any way you slice it.
Time for a nap.
How do you feel China’s medical system compares to America’s? Have you received treatment at a Chinese hospital and if so, what was your impression? If you were an American seeking a complex surgery, would you consider having that surgery in a Chinese hospital? What improvements do hospitals need to make, overall? Have your say in the comments section.
