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January 13, 2013

The Heritage Foundation has released its 2013 index of economic freedom where it ranks the nations of the world according to economic freedom. This is where the conservatives and libertarians part ways. Considering only economic freedom is like going to a track meet where the winners are to be judged based solely on the speed of their right leg. Freedom, unlike the Heritage Foundation track meet, requires two legs to race on: economic freedom and civil liberties.

Heritage Foundation's grand and glorious winner of the economic freedom index ranking? Hong Kong, where the legitimacy of the government is ultimately backed up by the communist government in Beijing. Hong Kong has a government operated and financed health system. Treatment at an outpatient facility costs $45 (US$5.81) per visit and that includes medicine, X-rays, and lab tests. Specialists cost $100 (US$12.90) for the first visit, $60 (US$7.74) for subsequent visits, plus $10 (US$1.29) for each prescription. Tuberculosis, leprosy and STDs are treated at no charge. "Maternity and child health guidance, including antenatal and postnatal care of the mother and the entire immunisation programme for the child, is also free." Emergency room visits are $100 (US$12.90). Hospitalization costs $100/day (or $68/day (US$8.77) for a non-acute stay) plus a $50 (US$6.45) admission charge. Family planning visits cost $1 (13¢ U.S.)per visit.

Private doctors and hospitals as well as Chinese medicine are also available at a higher cost.

The health system costs about 3% of GDP. Hong Kong corporations are free of the expense of providing health insurance for their employees.

Filed under Health,Libertarianism | permalink | January 13, 2013 at 11:19 AM

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