This publication presents the results of an international initiative to document the effects of how health systems in the developing world have responded to macroeconomic austerity and adjustment measures. Are these systems flexible and resilient to changes or are they rigid? In which circumstances and under which conditions do health systems respond favourably or unfavourably? What are the success stories? Country studies from Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, India, Thailand, Mexico, and Colombia discuss lessons learned and identify policy measures for safeguarding the health sector
This brief based on a case study attempts to explore the linkage between research and policy formation. Looking at some of the achievements of the Tanzania Essential Health Interventions Project (TEHIP), it makes the case that research can contribute to make the health system more cost-effective and help allocate resources according to local needs. The project supported collection of data and developed key tools for planning and organisational changes. Focusing on health systems, health-seeking behaviour and health outcomes, research findings were able to indicate new directions and support the decision making process
This book assesses the health care reforms of the past decade in Argentina, Brazil and Mexico. The authors are in agreement that reform in the governance, management and financing of the provision of health services was essential. However, they criticize the outcomes of the reform process not only for the anticipated exacerbation of social and economic inequalities, but also because of inattention paid to human resources as well as much-needed development of science and technology