Health Economics

Description

This course examines key themes of economic theory as applied to health care. First, it explores the alternative systems for organising and financing health care and second, the main techniques of health care evaluation. Finally, it critically examines the link between social inequality, socioeconomic status and health. It does so by focusing on the fact that how well and how long one lives is strongly formed by one’s place in the hierarchies build around educational attainment, labour market experiences, occupation and income. This course discusses some of the principal themes in health economics. The relationship between health and health care is considered. The distinctive characteristics of health care as an economic good are explained. The course examines the demand for, and supply of, health care. It analyses different types of health care system throughout the world. The role and application of economic evaluation in health care are discussed.