The Economics of Health Equity

Cambridge University Press, 10/11/2007
EAN 9780521705066, ISBN10: 0521705061

Paperback, 296 pages, 24.9 x 17.5 x 1.5 cm
Language: English

This book is about equity in health and health care. It explores why, despite being seen as an important goal, health equity has not made more progress within countries and globally, and what needs to change for there to be greater success in delivering fairness. An international team of eminent experts from primarily the field of health economics describe how equity in health and health care might develop over the next decade. They examine existing and past barriers to promoting equity, citing case examples, and covering issues including access to health services and inequalities between and within countries. The analyses are detailed, but the issues are approached in an accessible fashion, highlighting the factors of common international relevance. This book provides a manifesto for achieving health equity for the future. It will be essential reading for health and social policy makers, and health academics nationally and internationally.

Part I. Introduction
1. Why this book? Gavin Mooney and Di McIntyre
Part II. Equity in General
2. Health and health inequalities in a neo-liberal global world Elaine Coburn and David Coburn
3. Governing the health care market
the social and political requirements Amiya Kumar Bagchi
4. Equity in the context of diversity of culture and diversity of economic systems Gavin Mooney
5. Beware of the libertarian wolf in the clothing of the egalitarian sheep
an essay on the need to clarify ends and means Alan Maynard
Part III. Health Service Access
6. Exploring the dimensions of access Michael Thiede, Patricia Akweongo and Di McIntyre
7. Acceptability, trust and equity Lucy Gilson
Part IV. Equity and Health Systems
8. International migration and extreme health inequality
robust arguments and institutions for international redistribution in health care Maureen Mackintosh
9. Pay the piper and call the tune
changing health care financing mechanisms to address public-private health sector mix inequities Di McIntyre
Part V. Lessons from Individual Countries
10. Equity in health financing, resource allocation and health service utilization in Brazil
past, present and future Silvia Porto, Claudia Travassos, Maria Alicia Ugá and Isabela Soares Santos
11. Improving health-related information systems to monitor equity in health
lessons from Thailand Viroj Tangcharoensathien, Supon Limwattananon and Phusit Prakongsai
Part VI. Future Action
12. Where now with equity? Di McIntyre and Gavin Mooney.