Comparison of Pediatric Healthcare Systems in the USA and the UK

Abstract

Pediatric healthcare systems are fundamental in ensuring the healthy growth and development of children. This article demonstrates a comparative analysis between paediatric healthcare systems in the United States and the United Kingdom to examine access to care, quality of services, financing mechanisms, and preventive strategies. The U.S. paediatric system is working through a mixed public-private insurance model, including programmes such as Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Programme (CHIP), which are aimed at children from low-income families. At the same time, private insurance is playing an important role in service delivery and technological innovation. In contrast, the United Kingdom offers pediatric care through a publicly funded system called the National Health Service (NHS), which ensures universal access to healthcare for all children regardless of their socioeconomic status. The article discusses the impact on organisational aspects of paediatric service, early detection of disease, coverage of vaccination, and management of chronic childhood diseases due to these structural differences. Special attention is paid to the contribution of primary care paediatrics, digital health technologies and equity in healthcare access. By comparing the strengths and issues faced by the two systems, the study explores how the US model promotes innovation and specialisation, and the UK system ensures continuity and affordability of care. The findings suggest that a combination of the technological advances of the US system and the accessibility and preventative orientation of the UK NHS could help make paediatric healthcare outcomes better worldwide. This comparative approach offers some very helpful insights for policymakers, healthcare professionals and researchers who are interested in improving the state of pediatric healthcare services in various healthcare settings.