Introduction to Health Economics

"This book would be an excellent choice for anyone wishing to be introduced to the field of health economics – it is undoubtedly the best ‘Health Economics 101’ textbook around ... There is a desperate need for a greater understanding of health economics principles among health system policy-makers, managers and researchers; this book will contribute enormously to developing such understanding."
Professor Di McIntyre, South African Research Chair of Health and Wealth, Health Economics Unit, University of Cape Town

This practical text offers the ideal introduction to the economic techniques used in public health and is accessible enough for those who have no or limited knowledge of economics. Written in a user-friendly manner, the book covers key economic principles, such as supply and demand, healthcare markets, healthcare finance and economic evaluation.

The book has been thoroughly updated with new material reflecting important recent developments and policy shifts such as the rise of performance based funding in health care, the impact and cost of achieving universal health care and the growing effect of globalization and international trade on the health sector.This engaging new edition features:

• Extensive use of global examples from low, middle and high income countries, real case studies and exercises to facilitate the understanding of economic concepts
• A greater emphasis on the practical application of economic theories and concepts to the formulation of health policy
• New chapters on macroeconomics, globalization and health and provider payments
• Extensively revised chapters on demand and supply, markets and economic evaluation

Series Editors: Rosalind Plowman and Nicki Thorogood.