Friday, October 31, 2008

[EQ] High and rising health care costs: Demystifying U.S. health care spending

High and rising health care costs: Demystifying U.S. health care spending

 

Paul B. Ginsburg, President, Center for Studying Health System Change

THE SYNTHESIS PROJECT - RESEARCH SYNTHESIS REPORT NO. 16 - OCTOBER 2008

 

Available online as PDF file [32p.] at: http://www.rwjf.org/files/research/101508.policysynthesis.costdrivers.rpt.pdf

 

Why is this issue important to policy-makers?

- In 2006, the United States spent $2.1 trillion, or 16 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), on health care.
  This translates to $7,026 per person annually
  (Reference 1).

- U.S. spending on health care is greater than that of any other developed country, yet unlike other countries, which provide near-universal coverage,
  16 percent of Americans are uninsured
(Reference 2).

-  Without steps to restrain growth, increases in health care spending will eventually consume almost the entire GDP.

 

Policy-makers have a number of options available to restrain health care spending growth, none of which are easy. With research consistently showing that medical technology is the largest cost driver, applying technology more selectively to patients needs to be an element of any long-term approach.

 

To accomplish this, policy-makers could:

·         Increase funding for research on effectiveness. This is the beginning of an approach that supports the appropriate application of medical technology to the patients likely to receive the highest benefit.

·         Reform provider payment systems. Distortions between payments and costs of services lead to undesirable provider incentives to emphasize the most profitable services. These unintended incentives tend to favor services incorporating new technologies.

·         Increase use of consumer financial incentives and support. To the degree that consumers bear some of the financial risk of medical spending, they are likely to be judicious concerning the use of technologies with low value to them as patients. For this to work as intended, however, patients must be provided information on treatment alternatives and their effectiveness, and on the quality of different providers of care, and must face incentives to favor more effi cient providers. Use of this approach is limited by the need to maintain adequate financial protection for the costs of illness or injury.

 

Content:

- Introduction

- Findings

- Implications for Policy-Makers

- The Need for Additional Information

- Appendix I References

 

Policy brief: http://www.rwjf.org/files/research/101508.policysynthesis.costdrivers.brief.pdf

 

 

 

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[EQ] Exploring the features of universal coverage

Special theme issue: health financing

Bulletin of the World Health Organization - November 2008, Volume 86, Number 11

Website: http://www.who.int/bulletin/volumes/86/11/07-049387/en/index.html

EDITORIALS

Exploring the features of universal coverage
- Guy Carrin, Ke Xu, & David B Evans
Department of Health Systems Financing, Health Systems and Services, World Health Organization, Geneva  Switzerland.
doi: 10.2471/BLT.08.060137
Full article text [HTML] | Full article text [pdf 78kb]

“……Designing and implementing a health financing policy for universal coverage is relatively simple in principle but complex in practice. This issue of the Bulletin explores how it can be done, drawing lessons from several country experiences.

Equity of access to health services of all types is key to universal coverage policy. High levels of out-of-pocket payments, including user fees, are still pervasive in many countries, limiting the ability of people to use service…..”

Universal coverage and health financing from China's perspective
- Shanlian Hu
doi: 10.2471/BLT.08.060046
Full article text [HTML] | Full article text [pdf 93kb]

The positive contributions of global health initiatives
- Prerna Banati & Jean-Paul Moatti
doi: 10.2471/BLT.07.049361
Full article text [HTML] | Full article text [pdf 79kb]

News

Time is ripe for health-care reform. An interview with Paul Krugman
Full Text [HTML] | Full Text [pdf 104kb]

“….The global financial crisis has created an environment that is more favourable to government intervention, social protection and health reform in the United States of America (USA) than in recent years. Paul Krugman, this year’s Nobel economics laureate, talks to the Bulletin about the challenges of pushing through health reform and the shape this could take after the 4 November presidential election….”

Devolved power: key for health care in India. An interview with Michael Tharakan.
Full Text [HTML] | Full Text [pdf 90kb]

RESEARCH

Effect of mutual health organizations on use of priority health-care services in urban and rural Mali: a case-control study
- Lynne Miller Franco et al.
doi: 10.2471/BLT.08.051045
Abstract [HTML] | Full article text [HTML] | Full article text [pdf 803kb]

The impact of user fees on health service utilization in low- and middle-income countries: how strong is the evidence?
- Mylene Lagarde & Natasha Palmer
doi: 10.2471/BLT.07.049197
Abstract [HTML] | Full article text [HTML] | Full article text [pdf 836kb]

Coping with out-of-pocket health payments: empirical evidence from 15 African countries
- Adam Leive & Ke Xu
doi: 10.2471/BLT.07.049403
Abstract [HTML] | Full article text [HTML] | Full article text [pdf 858kb]


POLICY & PRACTICE

Universal coverage of health services: tailoring its implementation
- Guy Carrin, Inke Mathauer, Ke Xu & David B Evans
Department of Health Systems Financing, Health Systems and Services, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.
doi: 10.2471/BLT.07.049387
Abstract [HTML] | Full article text [HTML] | Full article text [pdf 215kb]

“….
Out-of-pocket payments create financial barriers that prevent millions of people each year from seeking and receiving needed health services. In addition, many of those who do seek and pay for health services are confronted with financial catastrophe and impoverishment. People who do not use health services at all, or who suffer financial catastrophe are the extreme. Many others might forego only some services, or suffer less severe financial consequences imposed by user charges, but people everywhere, at all income levels, seek protection from the financial risks associated with ill health…..”


Development assistance for health: should policy-makers worry about its macroeconomic impact?
- Eleonora Cavagnero et al.
doi: 10.2471/BLT.08.053090
Abstract [HTML] | Full article text [HTML] | Full article text [pdf 488kb]

Beyond fragmentation and towards universal coverage: insights from Ghana, South Africa and the United Republic of Tanzania
- Diana McIntyre et al.
doi: 10.2471/BLT.08.053413
Abstract [HTML] | Full article text [HTML] | Full article text [pdf 543kb]

Are current debt relief initiatives an option for scaling up health financing in beneficiary countries?
- M Kaddar & E Furrer
doi: 10.2471/BLT.08.053686
Abstract [HTML] | Full article text [HTML] | Full article text [pdf 470kb]

Resource allocation and purchasing in the health sector: the English experience
- Peter C Smith
doi: 10.2471/BLT.07.049528
Abstract [HTML] | Full article text [HTML] | Full article text [pdf 383kb]

ROUND TABLE

Can coutnries of the WHO Africa region wean themselves off donor funding for health?
- Joses Muthuri Kirigia & Alimata J Diarry-Nama
doi: 10.2471/BLT.08.054932
Abstract [HTML] | Full article text [HTML] | Full article text [pdf 189kb]

Impossible to "wean" when more aid is needed
- Gorik Ooms & Wim Van Damme
doi: 10.241/BLT.08.059485
Full article text [HTML] | Full article text [pdf 118kb]

Response to Ooms and Van Damme
- Joses Muthuri Kirigia & Alimata J Diarra-Nama
doi: 10.2471/BLT.08.060079
Full article text [HTML] | Full article text [pdf 105kb]


The role of aid in the long term
- Felix Masiye
doi: 10.2471/BLT.08.058156
Full article text [HTML] | Full article text [pdf 91kb]

PERSPECTIVES

Financing health promotion in Japan and Mongolia
- Dorjsuren Bayarsaikhan
doi: 10.2471/BLT.08.052126
Full article text [HTML] | Full article text [pdf 153kb]

Can earmarking mobilize and sustain resources to the health sector?
- Phusit Prakongsai et al.
doi: 10.2471/BLT.07.049593
Full article text [HTML] | Full article text [pdf 231kb]

Constraints and obstacles to social health protection in the Maghreb: the cases of Algeria and Morocco
- Driss Zine-Eddine El-Idrissi et al.
doi: 10.2471/BLT.08.053736
Full article text [HTML] | Full article text [pdf 154kb]

PUBLIC HEALTH CLASSICS

The case for public intervention in financing health and medical services
- Jacky Mathonnat
doi: 10.2471/BLT.08.055707
Full article text [HTML] | Full article text [pdf 261kb]

BOOKS & ELECTRONIC MEDIA

Research capacity for mental health in low- and middle-income countries: results of a mapping project
- Feng Wei
doi: 10.2471/BLT.08.053249
Full article text [HTML] | Full article text [pdf 73kb]

 

 

 

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This message from the Pan American Health Organization, PAHO/WHO, is part of an effort to disseminate
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Thursday, October 30, 2008

[EQ] Virtual - International Health Seminar: Innovation and Production of Medicines within the Context of Globalization - 31 October 2008

Leaders in International Health Program PAHO/WHO 2008

 

International Health Seminar:


Theme: Innovation and Production of Medicines within the Context of Globalization

 

Friday, 31 October 2008 11:00AM – 1:30PM (WDC Time)

To check local time in Washington DC against your time zone, see the World Clock at: http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/meeting.html  

PAHO Headquarters Office Room 1017

 

Web link to Participate:
In Spanish:

https://sas.elluminate.com/m.jnlp?sid=1110&password=M.080EB5D3C15FF53D750B0CCC1577FF

 

In English:

https://sas.elluminate.com/m.jnlp?sid=1110&password=M.DE1FDE1114CCFC1B6F804D8991037B

 

 

Agenda

 

11:00 – 11:20       Introduction

Dr. José Luis Di Fabio, Area Manager, Technology, Health Care and Research, PAHO/WHO

Dr. Dr. José Antonio Pagés, PAHO/WHO Representative, Argentina

 

Presentation of Objectives and Panelists

Dr. Eduardo Guerrero, Regional Advisor, Development of Human Resources for Health, PAHO/WHO

Participants in the Leaders in International Health Program:

·          Ms. Silvia Faraone, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina

·          Ms. Beatriz Martinelli, Ministry of Health,  Santa Fe ProvinceArgentina

·          Dr. Zulma Ortiz, UNICEF, Argentina

·          Mr. Sebastián Pérez, Ministry of Health, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina

·          Dr. Galo Fraga, Ministry of Foreign Relations, Trade and Integration, Ecuador

 

11:25 – 11:45             The Strategy of Public Production of Medicines: Opportunities and
Challenges Worldwide and in the Americas

Dr. Jorge Bermúdez, Executive Secretary, International Facility for the Purchase of Medicines, WHO

 

11:50 – 12:10             Characterization of the Policies on the Public Production of Medicines in Latin America
and their Articulation with Regional Strategies on Access to Medicines

                                  Mr. James Fitzgerald, Regional Advisor, Essential Medicines and Pharmaceutical Services, PAHO/WHO

 

12:15 – 12:45             Panel: Policies on the Public Production of Medicines in Different Countries in the Region
and Challenges within a Health Policy Framework

 

                                 The case of Brazil

                                            Dr. André Luiz de Abreu Porto, General Coordinator of Studies and Projects,
Department of Health Economics, Secretariat for Science, Technology and Strategic Inputs,
Ministry of Health, Brazil

 

                                            The case of Argentina

                                            Dr. Daniel Gollan, Authority, National Administration on Food, Medicines and
Technology (ANMAT), Argentina

                                            Comments from Ecuador

                    

12:50 – 1:20         Q & A  - Discussion

 

12:50 – 1:20      Closing

      Dr. Jorge Prosperi, PAHO/WHO Representative, Ecuador

        Ing. Diego Victoria, PAHO/WHO Representative, Brazil

 

 

Contact Information:

Auer, Annella  -aueranne@paho.org  Tel:  202 974 3803

 

Related web sites:


PAHO Website: http://www.paho.org/Spanish/DPM/SHD/HR/pfsiacerca.htm


WHO website:
Essential Medicines and Pharmaceutical Policies : http://www.who.int/medicines/en/


WHO website: Public Health, Innovation and Intellectual Property: http://www.who.int/phi/en/

 

WHO website on Innovation and Public Health: http://www.who.int/intellectualproperty/topics/innovation/en/

 

 

 

 

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[EQ] Public hearing on ways of reducing harmful use of alcohol

Submissions to public hearing on ways of reducing harmful use of alcohol

World health Organization WHO October 2008

Website: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/notes/2008/np10/en/index.html

"…Each year, more than two million people die from alcohol-related causes. WHO was asked by its Member States in May at the World Health Assembly to develop a global strategy to combat the harmful use of alcohol. All parties with an interest in reducing the harmful use of alcohol are now invited to share their views in a public hearing being organized by WHO….."

"….Contributions will be posted on a WHO web site dedicated to the hearing. The submissions can form a part of the documentation to be considered and discussed at the round table meetings with economic operators from the alcohol industry (planned for 6 November 2008), and NGOs and health professionals (planned for 24-25 November 2008), as well as at regional technical consultations with Member States (planned to take place between January and April 2009)…."

The one-month web-based hearing will run between 3 and 31 October.

How to participate; http://www.who.int/substance_abuse/activities/hearing/en/index.html

 

Submit your contributions using the online form in:

:: English
:: Français
:: Español
:: Русский
:: 中文
:: العربية

Related materials:

World Health Assembly resolution WHA61.4 [pdf 14kb]

Report by the Secretariat to the 61st World Health Assembly - Strategies to reduce the harmful use of alcohol: A16/13 [pdf 165kb]

WHO programme on management of substance abuse

For more information please contact:

Dr Vladimir Poznyak Coordinator, Management of Substance Abuse
Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse
Telephone: +41 22 791 43 07 E-mail: poznyakv@who.int

Mr Dag Rekve Technical Officer, Management of Substance Abuse
Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse
Telephone: +41 22 791 16 57 E-mail: rekved@who.int

 

 

 

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[EQ] Responses to Avian Influenza and State of Pandemic Readiness

Responses to Avian Influenza and State of Pandemic Readiness

Fourth Global Progress Report

 

UN System Influenza Coordinator & The World Bank, October 2008

 

Available online as PDF file [105p.] at:

http://siteresources.worldbank.org/EXTAVIANFLU/Resources/3124440-1172616490974/Fourth_ProgressReport_Oct_15.pdf

 

The report:
i) describes international financial assistance provided to date;
ii) assesses national capacities to respond to HPAI [Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza] and prepared for the next influenza pandemic;
iii) analyses implications of this progress for animal and human health and
iv) recommends some key next steps.

It focuses on progress with responses to avian influenza and with pandemic preparedness between June 2007 and June 2008, but also looks back over the last three years. Information was provided by national authorities from 148 countries that responded to an UNSIC survey questionnaire supplemented by with case studies, interviews and reports from UN system bodies and other partners. The information on donor pledges, commitments and disbursements has been collected by the World Bank via a donor polling exercise.


A global analysis of the situation now in mid to late 2008 indicates fewer outbreaks in poultry, fewer newly infected countries, fewer human cases and fewer deaths compared to the same period in 2006 and 2007. Over 50 of the 61 countries that have experience an H5N1 outbreak, have successfully eliminated the disease.

However, the virus remains entrenched in several countries and the threat of further outbreaks of HPAI in poultry (and sporadic cases in humans) persists. The threat of an influenza pandemic remains unchanged. While these findings suggest that HPAI strategies are successful when properly implemented, they also highlight that sustained vigilance and continued investment is needed in both surveillance and capacity to respond to HPAI Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza…”

 

Contents

Executive summary

1. Background and Introduction

2. International Financial and Technical Assistance

3. Capacity to Reduce the Threats of Avian Influenza to Animals and Humans

4. Preparedness for Mitigating the Impacts of the Next Influenza Pandemic

5. Conclusions & Recommendations

Annex I Country Tables

Annex II Additional Charts of Data Collected from National Authorities

Annex III World Bank Operations under the Global Programme for Avian and Human Influenza

Annex IV Tables on Pledges Commitments and Disbursements

 

 

 

 

 

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This message from the Pan American Health Organization, PAHO/WHO, is part of an effort to disseminate
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