Preventive Health Models and Hospital-Free Solutions in Global Healthcare Systems
Preventive health policies applied worldwide to reduce hospital dependency and prevent diseases in modern medical systems are examined.
While the success of modern medical systems is not measured solely by hospital investments, different countries around the world aim to take precautions before diseases emerge through preventive health models.
The Importance of Preventive Health and the Global Approach
While modern medicine cannot be imagined without hospitals, it is not sufficient to measure the success of healthcare systems solely by the number of hospitals or bed capacity. It is of great importance that people can be protected enough not to need a hospital.
The World Health Organization defines the primary healthcare approach as the promotion of health, prevention of diseases, and delivery of services close to the daily living environment.
Balance Between Treatment and Prevention in Healthcare Expenditures
A significant portion of healthcare expenditures continues to be allocated to diagnosis and treatment processes after a disease arises.
According to the OECD report, the share of preventive health expenditures has fallen back to 3 percent following the pandemic.
Singapore's Healthier SG Program
Launched in Singapore in 2023, the Healthier SG program aims for citizens to have a family doctor who knows them even when they are healthy.
As of the end of August 2026, 61 percent of the eligible population has enrolled in this program.
Health Models of Japan and Finland
Japan conducts special health checkups focused on identifying metabolic syndrome and lifestyle risks for insured individuals in the 40-74 age group.
Finland, on the other hand, allocates 4.6 percent of its expenditures to preventive health services, exceeding the OECD average.
Strategies of the Netherlands, the UK, and Other Countries
In the Netherlands, almost the entire population is covered by health insurance, and family doctors play a central role in coordination.
While the UK conducts screenings based on age and risk, Costa Rica has established multi-professional primary healthcare teams serving within the community.