The course provides a short introduction to key concepts of health economics, such as public goods, externalities and supply and demand, as applied to health and the health sector. Based on the WHO health system performance framework, the course then discusses health financing – its functions, financing systems, payment mechanisms, Overseas Development Assistance, the effect of health system organisation on financing, measuring performance, digitization in health financing and how financing relates to other building blocks of a health system. These factors are used to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of a country’s level and structure of health financing.
The course will expose and discuss these aspects so that participants can critically discuss and share views on health financing and payment reforms at local, national and global level. Health financing will be further discussed in the context of achieving “Universal Health Coverage” and Sustainable Development Goal 3.
Course Content:
- Intro to key concepts of health economics
- Health financing and modalities of provider payment
- User fees and tax financing in respect to equity aspects
- Vouchers
- Principles of health insurance
- Health insurance: indicators & organisational principles
- Including the poor in health financing
- Digitization in Health Financing
- Performance-based funding
- Development aid for health and evolution