Public Spending on Health Care and the Poor

Author/Editor:

Marijn Verhoeven ; Sanjeev Gupta ; Erwin H Tiongson

Publication Date:

September 1, 2001

Electronic Access:

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Disclaimer: This Working Paper should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF.The views expressed in this Working Paper are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the IMF or IMF policy. Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to further debate

Summary:

This paper estimates the impact of public spending on the poor's health status in over 70 countries. It provides evidence that the poor have significantly worse health status than the rich and that they are more favorably affected by public spending on health care. An important new result is that the relationship between public spending and the health status of the poor is stronger in low-income countries than in higher-income countries. However, the results suggest that increased public spending alone will not be sufficient to meet international commitments for improvements in health status.

Series:

Working Paper No. 2001/127

Subject:

English

Publication Date:

September 1, 2001

ISBN/ISSN:

9781451854985/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA1272001

Pages:

39

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