HEC5975 - Principles of health economics for developing countries - 2019

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.

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. understand the determinants of health, international differences in the pattern of disease and the link between health and development
2. appreciate the economic principles that should underpin health care financing and expenditure decisions
3. 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
4. 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
5. review the practical application of methodologies for health care program evaluation in developing countries.

Within semester assessment: 50% + Examination: 50%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities. The unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information