We describe the structure and present situation of the Chinese healthcare system and discuss its primary problems and challenges. We discuss problems with inefficient burden sharing, adverse provider incentives and huge inequities, and seek explanations in the structural features of the Chinese...

This paper reconsiders the evidence and several of the key arguments associated with the theory of supplier-induced demand (SID). It proposes a new theory to explain how ethical behaviour is consistent with SID. The purpose of a theory of demand and one criterion for the evaluation of a theory...

The evaluation of empirical data concerning private physician consultations in public hospitals in Greece suggests that privatisation of selected public services can increase patients' freedom of choice and also improve efficiency and quality of services, thus strengthening the supply side in a...

Over 25 years after Alma-Ata, available evidence suggests that in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) the funding and coverage of primary care is still inequitable. This article reviews the progress that has been made towards the equitable funding of primary healthcare (PHC) in South Africa...

Background: While the number of GP services provided in Australia increased steadily from the inception of Medicare in 1984 until the mid 1990s, it declined by 6.6% from 1997-8 to 2003-4. This reflects a decline in average number of services provided per GP of 8.0%. In Australia, as in the US...

Objective: To analyse factors affecting physicians' choice to work in either the public or the private sector. Method: We undertook a longitudinal data analysis in the years 1988, 1993, 1998 and 2003 (n = 12_909) using a multilevel modelling technique. Factors related to economic factors,...

Background: Financial protection from the risks of ill health has globally recognized importance as a principal performance goal of any health system. This type of financial protection involves minimizing catastrophic payments for healthcare and their associated impoverishing effects....