Evaluation of Recent Changes in the Financing of Health Services

📖 The Scoop

"During the past decade, fundamental developments have occurred in the financing of health services, coinciding with economic, political and social changes in many parts of the world. The role of government in the funding and provision of health care is being reconsidered, often with far-reaching consequences for the relation between health care providers and consumers, access to health facilities, and the health status of populations. This report presents the conclusions and recommendations of a WHO Study Group that met to review recent changes in health financing and to evaluate their effects on the provision and utilization of health services. Drawing on specific examples from both developing and developed countries, the report identifies trends in sources of finance, payment mechanisms, and the roles of health care consumers, purchasers and providers, and emphasizes that too little is known about the impact of these changes on health status. In discussing the implications of recent developments, the Study Group stresses the responsibilities of governments in policy-making, regulation, and information gathering and dissemination, and the need to evaluate options for health financing in the context of national policy objectives, with the ultimate aim of improving the performance of health systems."--

Genre: Medical / General (fancy, right?)