Health policies entail a set of actions or activities instituted by medical facilities or the government to obtain particular outcomes. The entire health system whether private or public has social and political forces that influence the making of regulations. The forces arise from interest groups that advance their wishes in the law making process to procure certain requirements. The special interest individuals range from entrepreneurs, foreign governments, certain demographic constituents, environmentalists, etc. Several theories have been advanced to explain the ideology of interest groups, but this essay will pay particular attention to elitist and pluralism.
Elitism and pluralism focus on the centralization and distribution of authority. The pluralist approach allows equal statuses of all its members in terms of rights, power, and possession. It appeals to the underprivileged and the masses to balance the social status scales and bring about unity. The particular approach considers the interests of more groups, unlike elitism which is solely based on those who are successful and privileged (Chapter 2, 25). However, in most countries, elitism takes the upper hand because material authority tends to hold an overwhelming pull in the society. The elitist theory undermines the needs of the common folk due to their lack of superiority.
The health system in a nation is instituted to cover the requirements of the majority and not one group as depicted by the elite groups. A pluralist approach would thus ensure that the medical facilities and resources reach out to more people and enhance the overall health outcomes of the region. It is all about promoting unity and equality in policy making to allow various groups to have a say in the aspects that affect their daily lives (Chapter 2, 24). Unlike the elitist theory, plurality provides openness in health policy making that gives more opportunities and promotes democracy.
Work Cited
Chapter 2. Context & Process of Health Policymaking, n.d.
