South Korea

South Korea is one of Asia’s biggest healthcare spenders -an expenditure at US$620 per head in 1996 and an estimated US$700 per head in 1997. The ratio of total healthcare spending to GDP rose from 2.7% in 1972, to 4.6% in 1990 and about 5% in 1996.

As the population grows and ages, demands on  medical services has similarly increased as can be seen in the country’s rising healthcare expenditures; and the government is not only increasing its spending but it has also taken great initiatives towards improving its healthcare facilities.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare has been steadily exploring how information technology can be used to improve medical insurance services, and enhance operational efficiency. It is also actively seeking direct foreign investment in the healthcare industry. To date, a record of US$*.9 billion has been invested in 1998 and as new opportunities (such as privatisation of facilities) occurs, the government hopes it to attract a further US$15 billion towards the reinforcement of the country’s healthcare facilities.

India

With an increase of 4.6% (US$20.5 million) of total health expenditure in 1995, India is making quantum leaps towards a more progressive healthcare industry.

The country with a population base of 1 billion, plans to concentrate on the quality of healthcare available in the private sector. This includes the setting up of an education programme for doctors, nurses and hospital managers. In this respect, a number of India’s up-and-coming private halthcare facilities are establishing in-house training schemes. In addition, the government is also making great efforts in improving the healthcare quality for the underprivileged. Additional facilities such as X-ray and homeopathy will be introduced into charitable eye and medical centres.

Hong Kong

In 1996/97, total healthcare expenditure accounted for 4.6% of Hong Kong’s GDP. In comparison to this, healthcare in 1999/2000 will receive a 14.6% share of recurrent (day-to-day) public expenditure, climbing to HK$30 billion from HK$28.8 billion in 1998-99. Total public spending on health will rise by 4.5% to HK$32.7 billion or 11.3% of total public expenditure.

The country’s generous healthcare package is due in part to Hong Kong’s economic prosperity. This has allowed the country to finance its healthcare expenses in an enviable manner - it has the highest subsidy  rate in the world for in-patient care. Control is achieved through a fixed annual budget allocation to the Hospital Authority, which manages Hong Kong’s 46 public hospitals and institutions and 50 specialist out-patient centres, oversees 93% of hospital-based services and employs 60% of Hong Kong doctors.

Taiwan

Taiwan’s growing healthcare delivery owes itself to an efficient government that is keen on providing the best for its people. The government’s healthcare expenditure has seen an annual growth rate of 10-15%. Total healthcare expenditures for the country rose from NT$221 million to NT$360 million in 1995. Likewise the expenditure as a percentage of the GDP - from 4.2% in 1990 to 5.2% in 1995.

As the government is a keen advocate of information technology and telecommunications, plans are underway to enhance the medical industry with technological innovations. An example of this can be seen with the proposed public issue of a multi-purpose smart card called an IC. The IC card will enable processing of medical data that will consequently improve the standards of medical services available to the general populace.

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