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Principles of Quality Health Care
In addition to the three essential elements of universal health care which defined
on our statement of mission, we suggest that the following principles
be carefully considered
by any state group or legislative body trying to bring about an improved
system to provide for public's health care needs.
- The right of all patients to consult a health care professional
of their choice should not be curtailed.
- Health care professionals must not be diverted from their primary tasks,
the relief of suffering, the prevention and treatment of illness, and the
promotion of health.
- Financial incentives that reward either undercare or overcare weaken
health care professional-patient trust and must be prohibited.
- A strong public health system is
a powerful mechanism by which any society can control health care costs and
improve the general health.
- Business arrangements giving power to control patient care decisions to
employers, administrators, and corporate executives rather than to health
care professionals are unacceptable and should be proscribed.
- Health care financing should be made accountable to the public.
- Financial stability will always imply investment in public health programs, in preventive care and in clean, safe environmental conditions for work and life for these investments pay back many-fold in health care savings and improved quality of life/productivity.
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