Ethics and Healthcare Reform

Respond to two classmates (135 words each)
#1 Classmate
I believe that capitalism can work in healthcare but is currently a failure. One of the biggest reasons for capitalism being a failure in healthcare is that there is an overuse of prescribing of over the counter medications in America (Zivotofsky & Zivotofsky). Also, many physicians and providers are only deepening the socioeconomic gap by choosing to work for organizations that “pay more” rather than focusing on areas with healthcare needs. This leaves populations considered lower class with limited amount of healthcare resources, particularly providers (Waitzkin, 2020). If capitalism is to work in the United States, there needs to be a better system in place that allocates resources and providers fairly in the healthcare system without causing providers to leave the field due to feelings of not being compensated enough for the education and work they provide.

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#2 Classmate

“Many scholars, particularly in public health, argue that neoliberal capitalist economic forces adversely affect communities by increasing inequalities, ultimately affecting health.” (De Soysa, 2021, pg. 1971). From the articles that I have read, capitalism has had a negative effect on healthcare. The healthcare suppliers are big for-profit businesses.

“These interest groups have unprecedented influence and control over health care policies and prices of health care products and services. Especially, drug makers, device makers, and hospitals continue to raise prices of products and services at will.” (Khatri, 2017). Drug makers can control the cost of medications, that might only cost a few cents to make and charge hundreds of dollars to the patient. When the patient has a low income, and their insurance does not cover the costs of their medications, treatments and doctor visits, then they will have to do without a lifesaving medication or treatment. These patients may have to decide to let the medications go, so that they can buy groceries or pay rent. In cases like these, I believe that capitalism is a failure in healthcare.