From a personal view- Access as in "I have free public healthcare and subsidised primary care in Australia, the country isn't socialist, it isn't broken down, my surgery for my tumour is scheduled when clinically necessary, which could be TODAY if it's an emergency". The government negotiates pharmaceutical costs as the single buyer, and subsidises it to roughly $40 a prescription (or roughly $10 if you're on a concession), no matter the drug cost. A national body of health professionals assess drug applications for approval based on efficacy, a national body of health professionals recommend listing medications for subsidy based on cost effectiveness.
Doctors and patients decide what treatment is delivered. 'Approval' from an insurer is not required. There are good relations with pharma, compassionate access schemes to high cost drugs not yet listed are common. If an efficacious treatment is available overseas though not in Australia, the government will contribute to costs for the patient to travel.
In addition there is a thriving private healthcare system which services those with private health insurance, especially for elective surgery (knee replacements etc), oncology and psychiatry. Doctors are the highest paid profession. Tax rates around OECD average (similar to US, lower than Scandinavia).
Objectively and in comparison with other countries: Infant mortality rate is below OECD average, health efficiency rankings are high, access to same day/next day appointments are quick, outcomes are good.
EDIT: Grammar.
