This is a new health economics textbook with a difference. It is based firmly in
the discipline of economics and, as such, it fills a gap in the health economics
market. But, unlike other texts in the area, it is very explicit about the
distributive implications of economic models and it provides clear rathionale
for public involvement in the market for health care. It separatesthe efficiency
reasons for public involvement(based on notions of 'market failure') from the
equity reasons(based on the views of society that health care should be
distributed according to the notion of health needs rather than according to
ability to pay).
The book illustrates the