So-called "universal" health care is indeed very different across different countries and contexts, and health care in general varies widely due to cultural standards.jp1 wrote:Our circumstances may not match up, but I found it eye opening for sure. It is not the "Universal healthcare" I imagined and as more of an "idealist" this is why it is important that the other more realistic side of the equation be discussed and addressed.
In Japan, for example, there are many doctors and other health providers who will not tell a patient what they have, instead preferring to tell the patient's family, especially if the condition is potentially fatal, like cancer. The idea is that you don't want to tell the patient bad news. The state of mental health care in Japan is not especially good, either, and, in fact, western psychology doesn't always apply directly to Japan, since some elements of psychology are grounded in cultural behavioral concepts.
Fortunately, Japanese lifestyles and diets lead to longer lives and better health, so the problems with their health care system aren't as problematic as they would be other places.
