Benefit from Our Service: Save 25%
Along with the first order offer - 15% discount (with the code "get15off"), you save extra 10% since we provide 300 words/page instead of 275 words/pageIntroduction
Health care is one of the most essential aspects of life in every modern society. To work efficiently, all members of society should be healthy. This leads to the prosperity of the countrys economy and thus the prosperity of the whole world. The importance of the health care system has always been paramount. However, only several decades ago, scientists understood that there are some differences in curing Native Americans, Asians, African Americans, and so on. This paper is devoted to the issue of Indian Health Service and its mission in the modern world. The paper shows both weak and strong points of this system. All the facts presented in this case analysis are taken from different books and articles.
Industry
There are numerous organizations that provide health care in the United States. Although the private sector dominates health care in the country, federal organizations have the greatest role in improving the health status in the country. The Indian Health Service is a federal agency engaged in offering services to Alaska Natives, as well as American Indians. In 2001, the United States was fourth among countries with the highest level of spending per capital in health care. Most of the countrys population below the age of 65 is insured by their own health insurance, their employer or family members employers. However, there are still numerous people that are uninsured and need extra attention on behalf of the federal government. The Indian Health Service was established with the purpose of improving the health of people with a low health status, which includes Alaska Tribes and American Indians. The aim of the federal government is to provide quality care to everyone living in the country (WHO, 2011).
Change Management
The healthcare industry is continually evolving. Therefore, organizations must find ways to keep up with the changes in order to survive, including the Indian Health Service.
According to Swayne, Duncan, and Ginter (2008), Dr. Michael H. Trujillo is determined to change the image of the Indian Health Service in order to make it more efficient. Dr. Michael H. Trujillo wants to make rigorous changes to the organization. However, he has to carefully look into internal and external factors that will bring about the changes accordingly. The change needs to be well-planned and should offer practical solution (Phillips, 1983). If the change is consistent with the surrounding environment of the organization, then it can be good. At the same time, it can also be fatal if a change in the management has not taken place to contribute to the entire change of the organization.
Strengths
Established to improve the health status of American Indians and Alaska Natives and offer quality care, the Indian Health Service has good reputation in primary care. It is doing a noble job by offering healthcare services to those who really need them most. It strives to improve the rural health system in the world. Tribal members actively use the services offered by the organization (Dixon et al., 1998). Employees of the organization have high regards for it and they believe in the vision of the company. They find it the best place to work for. The organization is committed to offer quality healthcare service to the population it caters for. The Indian Health Service is efficient, effective, and accountable, and it has a great goodwill among people.
Weaknesses
The organization used to be successful in the past, but in the present, constantly changing environment, it is facing many challenges. It has to keep pace with the changes taking place in the healthcare industry. First of all, it has no third party billing system which is practiced by most of the healthcare organizations. Secondly, it is experiencing problems in recruiting professional staff. It requires huge budget considering the health status of its population, which is one of the lowest in the United States. It also faces scarcity of resources (Adams, 2000).
Opportunities
The new technological innovation in the health care can change the course of the Indian Health Service. It has to improve the health status of its population and make it close to the Americans. It also requires improving self-determination of American Indians. The population of needy people is growing and the organization has the opportunity to serve them (Adams, 2000). It should recognize the health needs of the local population and address them. The support of the federal government is a valuable opportunity for the organization.
Threats
The organization faces numerous challenges caused by the external environment. New demands and needs are evolving and it may fall short due to its scarce resources. A changing political situation in the United States and the external forces push the organization to be more efficient, effective, and accountable. It has created the impression that it can meet all health needs of the local community, and the failure to do so would result in bad reputation for the organization (Adams, 2000).
Conclusion
The Indian Health Service is a principal organization catering for healthcare needs of Alaska Natives and American Indians. It is a federal agency that takes care of a huge population and is responsible for improving the health status of its population. It requires a planned change management in the organization to keep pace with the changes going on in the healthcare industry. Dr. Trujillo is committed to make it more effective, convenient, and accountable, which seems quite possible.