ECX9750 - Principles of health economics for developing countries

Leader(s): Mr Rohan Sweeney

Offered

Alfred First semester 2009 (On-campus block of classes)

Synopsis

The unit provides an overview of the particular problems confronted by health care systems in developing countries. Economic principles are used to review and develop policy options for financing of the health sector and approaches to priority setting that foster improved expenditure allocation. Practical aspects of individual health care project appraisal in developing countries are also addressed.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• understand the determinants of health, international differences in the pattern of disease, and the link between health and development
• appreciate the economic principles that should underpin health care financing and expenditure decisions
• possess a sound knowledge of alternative health system structures in developing countries, the policy constraints typically faced by developing countries in managing health care systems
• use economic principles to critically appraise policy alternatives for health sector reform and understand practical methodologies for the application of economic principles particularly when data availability is extremely limited
• review the practical application of methodologies for health care program evaluation in developing countries.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 50%
Examination (3 hours): 50%