"That’s because Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand rule the top of the economic freedom ratings. Economic growth rates in those countries averaged 6.8 percent in 2010."
“They've been more efficient at protecting the environment, better at improving health, and better even, as a new Index study demonstrates, in enhancing life satisfaction and overall happiness. That's a slam dunk for economic freedom.”
--Wall Street Journal - US Ranked No. 9 on Economic Freedom Index
Apparently other emerging countries do not see healthcare, enhancing life satisfaction and the overall happiness of their people as a "hurdle" to their economies.