Health care is a crucial policy issue worldwide and is forecast to continue to
be so in future. Why do health care systems in many countries seem to be continuously
undergoing reform planning and implementation? Why is the sustainability of
Australia’s health system of major concern, and what lessons can be learnt from recent
health reform initiatives? In this Chapter we provide an overview of the major health
policy areas of concern in the 21st century, including population ageing, health
expenditure pressures and emerging major health threats likely to impact on chronic
disease prevention and treatment. The focus will be on issues that can be resolved or
influenced by individuals, governments, or the medical profession.
Keywords: Lessons from reform initiatives, sustainability of health systems,
population ageing, obesity, ‘super bugs’, rising costs to patients, improved
medical technologies.
