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Health economics for developing countries

There is currently no simple and practical introduction to health economics for students from developing countries. This book aims to fill that gap.

This text is an introduction to health economics and finance for low income countries, which is easy to use and read and does not assume previous training in economics. It explains health economics in an accessible applied way using material from, and relevant to, developing countries. The focus in on practical use. Core areas are selected for health economists to study in detail, with brief discussions and suggestions for further reading of linked topics more commonly studied under other related disciplines, such as public health and health management. Each chapter introduces a topic, then by the use of question and answer sessions between a group of (humourously named) characters in a fictional country, the relevant material is covered in a lively way. The chapter ends with a summary, practice exercises for the reader and a list of references and suggestions for further reading. There is a glossary of health economics terms to help the reader. The authors are experienced teachers and consultants in international health economics, based at the Centre for Health Economics at the University of York. All four teach short courses on health economics for developing country students.

an overview of the discipline
health and development: the broader issues
economics and health care markets
health financing topics
measuring costs and benefits in health care
setting priorities in health care
health sector reform: decentralisation; essential packages: public/private mix; performance, efficiency and quality
frameworks for assessing financial and economic sustainability of projects or programmes
looking ahead: health systems and health economics in developing countries

Health economics for developing countries

Contents

Health economics for developing countries

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