Globalization’s influence on healthcare systems has become an increasingly common topic in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing in various forms across recent test versions. Based on analysis of past papers and current trends, this theme frequently emerges in questions about technological advancement, economic inequality, and public health policies.
Nội dung bài viết
How global trade impacts financial markets provides valuable context for understanding the economic aspects of global healthcare systems.
Some people believe that globalization has improved access to modern healthcare worldwide, while others argue it has widened the healthcare gap between rich and poor nations. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Task Analysis
The question requires:
- Discussion of both positive and negative impacts of globalization on healthcare
- Clear personal stance
- Balanced examination of contrasting viewpoints
- Specific examples to support arguments
Modern hospital equipment showing advanced healthcare technology
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
The globalization of healthcare has sparked considerable debate regarding its impact on worldwide medical access. While some contend it has democratized healthcare delivery, others maintain it has exacerbated existing disparities. In my view, while globalization has brought significant improvements, it has simultaneously created new challenges that require careful attention.
Proponents of globalization argue that it has revolutionized healthcare accessibility in numerous ways. The international exchange of medical expertise and technology has enabled developing nations to access cutting-edge treatments previously unavailable to them. For instance, telemedicine platforms now allow patients in remote areas of India to consult with specialists worldwide, while medical research collaboration has accelerated the development of treatments for diseases affecting developing nations.
However, critics present compelling evidence that globalization has deepened healthcare inequalities. The commercialization of healthcare services has led to a “medical tourism” industry that primarily benefits wealthy individuals, while potentially reducing resources available to local populations. Moreover, the migration of skilled healthcare professionals from developing to developed nations, known as the “brain drain,” has left many poor countries with critical staffing shortages.
Similar to the impact of fast food culture on traditional diets, globalization has transformed traditional healthcare systems, bringing both benefits and challenges.
In my assessment, while globalization has undeniably improved certain aspects of global healthcare, its benefits have not been distributed equitably. To address this, international cooperation must focus on creating sustainable healthcare systems that serve all populations, not just those who can afford premium services. This could include implementing policies to retain medical professionals in developing nations and ensuring technology transfer benefits local communities.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
Globalization has changed healthcare systems around the world. Some people think it has made healthcare better for everyone, while others say it has made things worse for poor countries. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
On the positive side, globalization has helped many countries get better medical care. When countries work together, they can share new medicines and equipment. For example, doctors can now use the internet to help patients in far away places. Also, people can travel to other countries to get treatment they cannot get at home.
However, there are also problems with globalization in healthcare. Poor countries often lose their doctors and nurses because they go to work in rich countries where they can earn more money. Also, some new treatments are very expensive, so only rich people can pay for them. This means poor people cannot get good healthcare even if it exists in their country.
Like impact of tourism on local economies in developing nations, healthcare changes have mixed effects on different communities.
I think globalization has both good and bad effects on healthcare. While it has helped bring new treatments to more places, we need to make sure everyone can get good healthcare, not just rich people. Countries should work together to solve these problems.
Key Vocabulary
- democratized (verb) /dɪˈmɒkrətaɪzd/ – made something available to everyone
- exacerbated (verb) /ɪɡˈzæsəbeɪtɪd/ – made worse
- telemedicine (noun) /ˌtelɪˈmedɪsɪn/ – practice of medical care using technology
- brain drain (noun) /breɪn dreɪn/ – migration of skilled professionals
- equity (noun) /ˈekwɪti/ – fairness in distribution
High-scoring Sentence Patterns
- Complex Contrast: “While globalization has brought significant improvements, it has simultaneously created new challenges.”
Structure: While + clause, main clause - Cause-Effect: “The commercialization of healthcare services has led to a ‘medical tourism’ industry.”
Structure: Subject + has led to + consequence
Practice Exercise
Write your own essay addressing this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback. Focus on using the vocabulary and sentence patterns provided above to strengthen your response.
