This unit will examine the market for health care. Health care expenditure is rising in all countries so increasingly governments, as the largest funders of health care, have to make difficult decisions concerning the allocation and distribution of health services. The unit will examine the causes of market failure including the role of information, agency and supplier induced demand. The behaviour of health care providers including doctors, hospitals and the pharmaceutical industry, and the role of private health insurance will be explored. Lastly the unit will examine the main issues confronting all nations, particularly equity and social justice and the consumption of "bads". -- Course Website
Instructor: Dr Nicole Au
Prerequisites: ECC1000
