These 10 Countries Have The Best Public Healthcare System In The World

Updated Nov 23, 2024 | 10:05 AM IST

Summary A recent global list based on a 2022 study reveals that strong public health systems are key to managing crises effectively. Sweden tops the global rankings, while the U.S. secures the 19th spot, improving by four places since 2023 but still missing the top 10 list of countries. Know what are these 10 countries.
10 countries with best public health in the world

Credits: Canva

A new global list that bases a 2022 study on how countries performed while dealing with a public health emergency has come up with a list of the top 10 countries with the best public health services. The study reveals that having a robust and resilient public health system can help the country face public health crisis smoothly and can ensure the citizens' safety, security and well-being. The study was titled: Global Challenges to Public Health Care Systems during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Review of Pandemic Measures and Problems.

What did the study analyze?

This study has analyzed how the countries performed when the world was facing the COVID-19 pandemic. The study also tries to understand the shortcomings in the healthcare systems, the initiatives taken to address these shortcomings and protocols and measures to protect healthcare professionals. These units are used to come up with a list of the top 10 countries with the best healthcare systems.

The survey that was based on the 2022 study was also able to analyse nearly 17,000 respondents from 36 different countries and assessed perceptions of 89 countries using 73 metrics. Some of them were whether the country has a "Well-developed" public health system, or if the country is comfortable for retirement and for raising kids.

Among the 10 countries, US did not make it to the list, however, it did find a place in the top 20 countries, securing position 19 for its public health care system. This is a development, as it has moved up four ranks from last year's ranking in 2023.

Here is the list of the top 10 countries

Japan: Japan is ranked at the 10th position in public health ranking. In the quality of life ranking, the country ranks at 14th place, while in the best countries overall ranking, it ranks at number 2.

Netherlands: The country has secured the 9th position for public health ranking and quality of life ranking. For the best countries overall ranking, the country scored a position of 13.

United Kingdom: For the public health ranking, it secured 8th position, for quality of life, it secured 11th position, and for best countries overall ranking, it secured 8th position.

Canada: For the public health ranking, it secured 7th position, for quality of life, it secured 5th position, and for best countries overall ranking, it secured 4th position.

Norway: For the public health ranking, it secured 6th position, for quality of life, it secured 4th position, and for best countries overall ranking, it secured 11th position.

Switzerland: For the public health ranking, it secured 5th position, for quality of life, it secured 3rd position, and for best countries overall ranking, it secured 1st position.

Finland: For the public health ranking, it secured 4th position, for quality of life, it secured 6th position, and for best countries overall ranking, it secured 20th position.

Germany: For the public health ranking, it secured 3rd position, for quality of life, it secured 7th position, and for best countries overall ranking, it secured 7th position.

Denmark: For the public health ranking, it secured 2nd position, for quality of life, it secured 1st position, and for best countries overall ranking, it secured 10th position.

Sweden: For the public health ranking, it secured 1st position, for quality of life, it secured 2nd position, and for best countries overall ranking, it secured 6th position.

End of Article

Measles Outbreak Update: Kentucky Confirms Its First Case

Updated Jul 4, 2025 | 06:50 AM IST

SummaryAfter Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma, Kentucky has not joined the list of US states to declare a measles outbreak, which as per the CDC means 3 cases must be related. Read more about it here.
Measles Outbreak Update: Kentucky Confirms Its First Case

Credits: Canva

The latest state to join the measles outbreak, which has been ongoing for quite some time now in the United States, is Kentucky. It has declared the outbreak, and has been confirmed by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Wednesday. So far, there has been a total of 1,267 confirmed cases of measles this year, nationwide.

For now, five active measles cases have been detected in Kentucky, and four of these are linked to the same outbreak.

"When there are measles outbreaks in other states and nearby countries, it is not surprising to see spread to Kentucky," Steven Stack, M.D., secretary of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, said in a statement. "Measles can be very serious, but it is avoidable through vaccination. We urge all parents to have their children vaccinated to ensure they are protected from preventable diseases like measles."

How Many Outbreaks And How Many Cases?

The CDC defines an outbreak as at least three related cases, and so far in 2025, 27 such outbreaks have been reported. Of them, 88% of the confirmed cases, which means 1,115 cases out of 1,267, are linked with the ongoing outbreak. In 2024, a total of 285 measles cases were reported by 33 jurisdictions, resulting in 16 outbreaks.

Since the late winter of 2024 till spring of 2025, Texas witnessed the country's largest outbreak, and three additional cases were reported this week. The case count in Texas now totals 753 since late January.

Last week, the New Mexico Department of Health reported five measles cases at the Luna County Detention Center in Deming. Officials are currently determining the vaccination status of people being held at the facility.

"The cases at Luna County Detention Center are a stark reminder that the measles outbreak in New Mexico is not over," Chad Smelser, M.D., a medical epidemiologist with the New Mexico Department of Health, said in a statement. "We urge everyone in New Mexico, especially Luna County residents, to ensure that they are fully vaccinated against measles."

So far, from the measles cases in Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma, three deaths have been reported. Among them, two were elementary school-aged children from the West Texas epicenter, and one was an adult in New Mexico. All of them were unvaccinated.

What Vaccine Must One Take To Prevent Measles?

The CDC recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine as the "best way to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella". For children, it recommends two doses of MMRV.

The MMR vaccine is a combination of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines, while the MMRV is a combination of measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox) vaccines.

In the US, two MMR vaccines are available for use, including M-M-R II, and PRIORIX. For MMRV, the vaccine is only licensed for children who are 12 months through 12 years of age. The first dose is usually administered between the ages of 12 to 15 months, while the second dose is administered between the ages of 4 to 6.

For older children, adolescents and adults, the two doses of MMR vaccines should be separated by at least 28 days.

What Is Measles?

CDC notes that it is a highly contagious virus, which means if one person has it, up to 9 out of 10 people nearby will also become infected. As per the Mayo Clinic, measles is caused by the measles virus, which can spread through an infected person's cough, sneeze, or even during conversations.

Signs And Symptoms

Measles symptoms appear 7 to 14 days after contact with the virus. Common measles symptoms include:

  • High fever (may spike to more than 104° F)
  • Cough
  • Runny nose (coryza)
  • Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
  • Rash

End of Article

Kylie Page’s Sudden Death Raises Questions About Drug Use, As Fentanyl And Drug Paraphernalia Found In Apartment

Updated Jul 3, 2025 | 02:16 PM IST

SummaryKylie Page Death: Netflix and adult film star Kylie Page, 28, was found dead in her apartment, with fentanyl and drug paraphernalia recovered—her sudden death is under further investigation.
Adult film star Kylie Page dies at 28

Credits: Instagram

Netflix and adult film star Kylie Page's sudden death just at the age of 28 has come has a shock for the entertainment industry and her family. She was found dead at her apartment on June 25 after a friend called the cops when the friend was unable to reach her.

By the time the fire department arrived at her Hollywood residence, she had already been pronounced dead.

Kylie Page Death Reason

According to US Weekly's report the evidence suspect a drug overdose case as the police confirmed for finding fentanyl and drug paraphernalia. According to publicly available records from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, her cause of death is currently listed as “deferred,” indicating further investigation is underway, possibly involving suspected foul play. Her death was confirmed by the Canadian adult entertainment company she worked for.

Also Read: Kate Middleton Opens Up About Her 'Really Difficult' Time During Chemotherapy And How Nature Helped Her Heal

"The Brazzers team is deeply saddened to learn of Kylie Page’s passing,” the company said in a statement on X. “Kylie will be remembered for her laughter, kindness, and bringing light wherever she went. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Kylie’s family, friends, and fans during this difficult time.”

Fentanyl & Paraphernalia overdose: How These Drugs Impact Your Body?

Page's death has again reminded people of drug use and abuse in the entertainment industry cases like Matthew Perry's death and Liam Payne's death.

In case of Page, fentanyl and drug paraphernalia was found in her home.

As per the Edge Treatment Center that is licensed by the California State Department of Health Care Services, and US federal law, drug paraphernalia is any device, item, or component of any type which is mainly meant or crafted for the purpose of production, compounding, transforming, obscuring, generating, processing, prepping, injecting, inhaling, consuming, or otherwise including a banned drug into our bodies.

Common Drugs Linked with Paraphernalia

  • Marijuana/cannabis
  • Cocaine
  • Heroin and other opioids
  • Methamphetamines
  • Ecstasy
  • Inhalants

What Is Fentanyl and Why Is It So Dangerous?

As per the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use as an analgesic (pain relief) and anesthetic. It is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin as an analgesic.

It is also known as Apace, China Girl, China Town, Dance Fever, and by other various names. It can be consumed through snorting, sniffing, smoking, or orally by pill or tablet. It could also be spiked onto blotter paper, patches or sold alone or in combination with heroin and other substances.

How Fentanyl Affects the Body and Mind

As per the National Institute on Drug Abuse, US, Fentanyl and other illegally produced synthetic opioids have played a major role in the overdose crisis in the United States since 2013.

Since about 2017, overdose deaths often involve use of multiple drugs. In many cases, fentanyl is one of these drugs. When fentanyl is mixed with other drugs, either on purpose or unknowingly, the combination can have more serious health effects.

Like other opioid pain relievers, fentanyl can cause a range of effects including relaxation, euphoria, pain relief, sedation, confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, urinary retention, constricted pupils, and slowed breathing.

In cases of overdose, symptoms may include stupor, altered pupil size, cold and clammy skin, bluish discoloration (cyanosis), coma, and respiratory failure, which can be fatal. A combination of coma, pinpoint pupils, and respiratory depression is a strong indicator of opioid intoxication.

End of Article

FDA Mandates ADHD Drug Labels To Warn Of Weight Loss Risk

Updated Jul 3, 2025 | 09:00 AM IST

SummaryThe FDA now requires ADHD extended-release drug labels to warn of weight loss risks in children under 6, urging monitoring and considering safer treatment alternatives.
FDA Mandates ADHD Drug Labels To Warn Of Weight Loss Risk

Credits: Canva

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a significant update to the labeling of all extended-release medications used to treat Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The change specifically targets the use of these drugs in children younger than six, warning about the risk of weight loss and other adverse reactions.

What Is ADHD?

ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that typically begins in childhood. It is characterized by symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that can interfere with a child's development and daily functioning. Treatment usually involves a combination of behavioral therapy and medication, including stimulants like amphetamines and methylphenidate.

Labeling Change Reflects Off-Label Prescribing Trend

Although extended-release stimulants are not approved for use in children under six, the FDA notes that healthcare professionals sometimes prescribe them “off-label” to younger patients. This is typically done in cases where other treatments have failed or when symptoms are especially severe. However, the FDA warns that clinical trials have shown young children process these drugs differently from older children, often resulting in higher concentrations of the medication in the body.

These higher drug levels have been associated with an increased likelihood of side effects, including clinically significant weight loss. As a result, the FDA is requiring drug manufacturers to include a new “Limitation of Use” section in the prescribing information for all extended-release stimulant medications.

This section will outline the risks specific to children under six, including:

  • Higher plasma concentrations of the drug
  • Greater rates of side effects, including reduced appetite and weight loss
  • The fact that extended-release formulations are not approved for this age group

Monitoring and Alternative Options Recommended

For young children already taking extended-release ADHD stimulants, the FDA advises healthcare providers to closely monitor the patient’s growth and development. Pediatricians should regularly chart weight and height to detect early signs of weight loss. If weight loss becomes a concern, alternative treatments should be considered.

These may include:

  • Switching to immediate-release stimulants, which may be easier to manage in younger children
  • Exploring non-medication interventions, such as behavioral therapies and parent training programs
  • Reevaluating the overall treatment plan to ensure it aligns with the child’s developmental needs and physical health

What Should Parents and Caregivers Do?

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to stay alert for signs of weight loss in children taking extended-release stimulants. If any concerning changes in appetite or weight are noticed, it’s essential to consult the child’s pediatrician. The doctor can then weigh the benefits and potential harms of continuing the current medication and discuss safer alternatives if needed.

The FDA's move comes as part of its ongoing effort to improve pediatric medication safety and ensure that drug use in children is backed by evidence, especially when used outside of official guidelines.

End of Article