ABSTRACT
Each country has its own system for providing health care. Within each system, there is a common structure for the delivery of care, but what ultimately matters most to the people is what services are provided, and how. There are many factors that influence the form of a national health system, such as history, philosophy, culture, religion, politics, wealth, geography and national resources. Health systems are a mixture of private fees, government services and prepaid insurance. Most developing countries have fragmentary systems, although attempts are being made to provide some government primary-care services for the poor in rural areas, and in cities where private practices also exist. In the UK there is a single portal of entry to the health system: the general practitioner, who may refer patients to a specialist. In the USA and other free choice systems, a number of different professionals may act as primary physicians.
