Health care system from the consumer perspective

In this intriguing blog post, we explore the connections between the thought-provoking movie "The Platform" and Singapore's healthcare system. By delving into the movie's concept of a tower-like environment where food availability decreases as you move to lower levels, we draw parallels to the organization and understanding of Singapore's healthcare system. Discover how patient complaints may stem from a lack of awareness regarding priorities and system organization."The Platform," a Spanish sci-fi social science thriller released on Netflix in 2019, captivated audiences with its unique premise. The movie portrays a group of residents living in a tower-like structure where a platform delivers food to each floor, but with diminishing quantities as it descends. This concept prompts us to reflect on the healthcare system in Singapore and how it relates to the movie's themes.Singapore's public healthcare system is known for its efficiency, fairness, and exceptional value-for-money compared to many other healthcare systems worldwide. As a physician with firsthand experience in both Singapore's system and clinics in two first-world western countries, I can confidently assert its merits. However, it is perplexing that complaints about the service in Singaporean clinics are not uncommon.In my opinion, the root cause of these complaints lies in a lack of understanding among patients regarding how the healthcare system is organized and how priorities are set. Just as the residents in "The Platform" must adapt to the decreasing availability of food as it moves to lower floors, patients in Singapore must comprehend the intricacies of the healthcare system to navigate it effectively.The organization of Singapore's healthcare system is designed to ensure equitable access to care for all citizens. Priorities are set based on medical urgency, with more critical cases receiving immediate attention. This prioritization can sometimes result in longer waiting times for non-urgent cases, leading to patient dissatisfaction.To bridge the gap between patient expectations and the realities of the system, efforts should be made to enhance patient education and communication. By providing patients with a clearer understanding of the system's organization, including the allocation of resources and the factors influencing waiting times, we can foster a more informed and empowered patient population.In conclusion, "The Platform" offers a metaphorical lens through which we can examine Singapore's healthcare system. Just as the residents in the movie face challenges due to the diminishing food supply, patients in Singapore may encounter frustrations stemming from a lack of awareness about system organization and priorities. By fostering better patient education and communication, we can bridge this gap and ensure a more harmonious healthcare experience for all.Stay tuned for more insightful discussions on the intersection of popular culture and healthcare systems.