Universal changes in the healthcare system and new technologies allow medical institutions to deliver quality healthcare services for a wide target audience. Thus, many employees do not receive adequate universal healthcare because laws and regulations freed an employer from this duty. If the company under analysis, CARREFOUR, applies the principles of universal healthcare to all employees, it would benefit both the organization and people, the local community, and medical health in general.
With hospital care becoming more critical to modern medical practice and with hospital costs rising as a consequence of new and improved technology and more highly skilled personnel, the costs of hospitalization became an increasing burden for patients who paid out of pocket for their care (Carrefour Home Page 2008).
Background
CARREFOUR is a leading international hypermarket chain. Carrefour, a French hypermarket chain, has capitalized on these recent changes and is now the largest company in the industry. Carrefour is the largest hypermarket group in France. The Carrefour group has been growing at a phenomenal rate in France through acquisitions and is growing in other countries as well. Before Carrefour’s two 1991 acquisitions, it operated 75 stores in France and 123 worldwide.
It currently employs 461,260 (2007) employees worldwide (Carrefour Home Page 2008). Under the combined stimuli of expanding research and development, the growing physician supply, the enlargement and upgrading of the nation’s hospital plant, and the growing source of new funding from private health insurance, many modern companies like CARREFOUR underwent a substantial reorientation.
Problem
CARREFOUR follows traditional healthcare strategies: it involves general healthcare costs and support. The problem is that different countries have different social and healthcare policies, so many employees are deprived of a chance to receive adequate and quality healthcare. Also, the current strategies of CARREFOUR do not cover temporary workers and immigrants. Deficits and shortcomings in the financing and delivery of health care are, however, only part of the story.
There are also impressive accomplishments of the health care system that have propelled France into a position of leadership in terms of the quantity and quality of health care services available to the majority of its population that enjoys good insurance coverage. The United States has in place the most advanced biomedical research enterprise in the world, and its pharmaceutical industry is unparalleled. The absence of universal healthcare standards leads to an increased level of illnesses and work-related diseases.
The fact that private behavior often evokes public distress is well known. Although many concerned citizens are working hard to reduce the incidence of imprudent personal choices and many policies have been formulated to reduce such choices, greater and more effective effort is urgently needed. Economic tools are also useful in devising effective policies.
Qualifications and Resources
It is expected that managers and a leader of the project will have good knowledge and skills in legislation and labor relations, current medical programs, and incentive schemes. The people responsible for project development and implementation are Mr. Harries, the head of the HR department, and Mrs. Smith, a GR manager responsible for current programs and employee relationships management. The main resources needed for this project are the financial support of the organization and two managers responsible for project implementation and control. It is expected that some policies are even counterproductive in that they may encourage the kind of behavior we want to discourage, prevent people from reducing their risk exposure, or exacerbate the social costs arising from poor behavioral choices.
Feasibility
If the research supports the universal healthcare system applied to the company, we will recommend that CARREFOUR introduces this program in all countries and cover all employees according to the proposed model. If the research suggests a program is inappropriate, we will recommend that the company involve temporary workers and immigrants in its current healthcare programs and plans.
Topics to Investigate
The report will discuss CARREFOUR’s healthcare plans and program and general issues in healthcare. The report will focus on the following issues:
- What is universal healthcare?
- What are the main benefits of universal healthcare?
- What are the main benefits of universal healthcare for CARREFOUR?
- How well does it work to improve the healthcare of employees?
- What resources are required to introduce universal healthcare?
Audiences
The report will be aimed to inform Mr. Jones, the CEO of CARREFOUR about the benefits and advantages of the universal healthcare system and its application at CARREFOUR. He is a charismatic and transformational leader who cares much about employees and the company. The principal thrust of the report is to provide non-specialist managers with a sufficiently detailed and documented account of universal healthcare/. It is hoped that the information contained herein will provide further ammunition for those already engaged in the struggle to lessen the incidence of foolish choices and propel to action those who had not yet seen the need.
The main audience is you, who motivates and supports our investigations and gives us an opportunity to change the world. The proposed measures will save society money immediately.
Works Cited
Carrefour Home Page. 2008. Web.