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HEALTH CARE IN AUSTRALIA: AN IMPENDING CRISIS
Author(s) -
Southby Richard P.
Publication year - 1971
Publication title -
medical journal of australia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.904
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1326-5377
pISSN - 0025-729X
DOI - 10.5694/j.1326-5377.1971.tb88080.x
Subject(s) - scrutiny , restructuring , interdependence , health care , politics , health policy , public relations , political science , perspective (graphical) , sociology , law , artificial intelligence , computer science
Australia is entering a period when all aspects of the delivery of health care are being brought under close scrutiny by health professionals, economists, political scientists and sociologists. The pressures of social change are impinging on our health system, and as a result numerous problems are emerging as critical issues. Effective measures for the control of these problems are made especially difficult by the fragmented organization of health care services in all Australian States and the lack of a comprehensive national health policy. Research into all aspects of the Australian health care system should precede any attempt to develop policies and to restructure the system. The need for this research is urgent and deserves first priority attention. This paper explores some of the emerging health care problems and suggests possible means of adapting to them. A broad approach has been adopted Intentionally. While this prevents thorough analysis of all the problem areas referred to, the wider perspective aims to emphasize the reality of the total health system, with its complexity of interdependent elements, and the need to relate It to the structure and functioning of society.