Public health initiatives and their impact on healthcare costs have become increasingly relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations. This topic frequently appears in various forms, particularly in essays discussing government spending, public welfare, and healthcare systems. As importance of preventive healthcare for reducing costs continues to be a global concern, understanding how to approach this subject is crucial for IELTS candidates.
Public health initiatives impact on reducing healthcare costs nationwide
Analysis of Recent IELTS Questions
Based on examination of past papers, this topic commonly appears in questions about:
- Government spending priorities
- Public health programs
- Healthcare accessibility
- Preventive medicine
- Cost-effectiveness of health initiatives
Let’s examine a recent IELTS Task 2 question:
Some people believe that governments should spend more money on preventive healthcare measures rather than treatment of illnesses. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
The debate over allocation of healthcare resources between prevention and treatment has gained significant attention, particularly as impact of urban living on health becomes more complex. I strongly agree that governments should prioritize preventive healthcare measures, and this essay will explain why this approach is both cost-effective and beneficial for society.
Preventive healthcare initiatives offer substantial long-term economic benefits. When governments invest in vaccination programs, health education, and regular screening services, they significantly reduce the occurrence of serious illnesses that require expensive treatments. For example, countries with robust preventive healthcare systems, such as Singapore, have demonstrated lower per capita healthcare costs while maintaining higher health standards.
Furthermore, preventive measures create a more productive society. By focusing on prevention, governments help maintain a healthier workforce, resulting in reduced sick leave and increased economic output. This approach aligns with importance of planning for rising healthcare costs, as it addresses healthcare challenges before they become more severe and costly.
However, this does not mean treatment should be neglected. A balanced approach is necessary, where both preventive and curative healthcare receive adequate funding. The key lies in gradually shifting the focus towards prevention while maintaining essential treatment infrastructure.
In conclusion, while both aspects of healthcare are important, the evidence strongly supports increased investment in preventive measures as a strategy for creating healthier societies and reducing overall healthcare costs.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
I agree that governments should spend more money on preventive healthcare because it can help save money and keep people healthy.
First, prevention is cheaper than cure. When people get regular check-ups and vaccinations, they don’t get sick as often. This means hospitals don’t need to spend as much money on expensive treatments. For example, in my country, when the government started free vaccination programs, less people got sick with serious diseases.
Also, preventive healthcare helps people learn about healthy living. When people know how to stay healthy, they make better choices about food and exercise. This means they don’t need to go to hospital as much, which saves money for both people and the government.
However, some money must still go to treating sick people. We cannot only focus on prevention because some people will still get sick and need treatment.
In conclusion, I think governments should spend more on prevention but not forget about treatment. Both are important for keeping people healthy.
Analysis of Band Scores
Band 8.5 Essay Analysis:
- Sophisticated vocabulary and complex structures
- Clear position with well-developed arguments
- Cohesive devices used effectively
- Relevant examples and explanations
- Balanced perspective
Band 6.5 Essay Analysis:
- Simple but clear arguments
- Basic vocabulary with some errors
- Limited use of complex structures
- Basic examples
- Less sophisticated development
Key Vocabulary
- preventive healthcare (n.) /prɪˈventɪv ˈhelθkeər/ – medical care to prevent illness
- allocation (n.) /ˌæləˈkeɪʃən/ – distribution of resources
- infrastructure (n.) /ˈɪnfrəˌstrʌktʃər/ – basic facilities and systems
- initiative (n.) /ɪˈnɪʃətɪv/ – new plan or process
- cost-effective (adj.) /kɒst-ɪˈfektɪv/ – providing good value for money
Consider practicing with similar topics like impact of smart cities on residents’ quality of life to broaden your understanding of public welfare topics. Share your practice essays in the comments for feedback and improvement.
