The perception of the health sector from an economic policy point of view is changing. In the past, health expenditure was mostly seen as a "cost" item, probably because many medical treatments are covered by public health insurance. However, policymakers are increasingly realizing that a...

The current financial and economic crisis has strengthened cost-cutting policies. However, such policies are likely to be ineffective, particularly with regard to those that affect the healthcare system. It is clear that the financial value of healthcare systems is not consistent with their...