Sharon Cannaby, August 2012. This paper brings together the views of senior ACCA members around the world on the key challenges facing healthcare systems globally. The discussions provide an interesting insight into some of the country-specific issues facing healthcare delivery around the world.
ACCA has a long record of commenting on and supporting the development of healthcare policy at an international level including significant contributions through our partnership with the European Commission to the eHealth agenda and a greater understanding of the potential economic benefits that can be realised in the delivery of healthcare.
Through our international studies around the world over the past 10 years it is clear that all systems, whether publicly or privately financed, face similar challenges particularly with regard to: demographic changes with ageing populations, increasing costs driven by technological advancements, and increased levels of consumer expectations.
Our work and studies point to significant opportunities for shared learning between different healthcare systems and the views contained in this publication contribute to that sharing to support the demands and challenges facing healthcare delivery in the 21st century. In addition to the common challenges, the examples in this book provide an interesting insight into some of the country-specific issues facing healthcare delivery around the world ranging from infrastructure, regulation and recruitment, together with examples of the solutions being employed to address these challenges both financial and non-financial.
In these financially challenged times, the role and contribution of the accountant is as critical as ever in not only ensuring the efficient and effective use of resources but also in contributing to the development and implementation of strategies to transform the way in which healthcare is delivered to meet the challenges faced. ACCA will continue to contribute to this hugely important agenda, and support advancements in healthcare finance and its members globally working in the sector.