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Health Systems: Health, Wealth, Society and Well-being (European Observatory on Health Care Systems)
Health Systems Health Wealth Society and Wellbeing - European Observatory on Health Care Systems Author:Martin McKee, Josep Figueras, Richard B. Saltman This book looks at health systems from a new perspective. It argues that they are not, as is often believed, simply a drag on resources, but rather part and parcel of improving health and achieving better economic growth. The relationship between health systems, health and wealth is complex but the three are inextricably linked so that investing... more » cost-effectively in health systems can contribute to the ultimate goal of societal well-being. The health systems policy debate has been dominated in recent decades by concerns about sustainability and the system?s ability to fund itself in the face of growing cost pressures. More recently, the economic crises that have afflicted some countries have added to these concerns. Health expenditure in many European countries has been growing at a faster rate than the economy. Containing costs has thus become a major priority for most health systems in the World Health Organization (WHO) European Region and beyond. This re-examination of the contribution health makes and the value attached to it has been termed the 'health and wealth' debate. This book synthesizes the evidence linking health systems, health and wealth, undertaking a systematic exploration of the various issues involved and the interaction between them. It seeks to help policy-makers marshal the information available and work their way through a complex set of issues to better understand health and wealth dynamics. It includes chapters on health systems, cost pressures, the cost of ill health, the contribution of health, public health, reducing inequalities, health services, health reform and performance measurement.« less