Financing Health and Social Care

“Without doubt, the most important update to economic reasoning and evidence as to why our publicly funded health care systems need protection and expansion, even into areas such as social care.”

—Craig Mitton, Professor in School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia

 “Leading world expert, and I don’t say that lightly. Everyone should read the chapter on economics of pandemics.”

—Bruce Hollingsworth, Professor of Health Economics, Lancaster University

“A wonderful book. It should be read by economists, health ministers and their advisors across the globe.”

—Susan Cleary, Professor of Health Economics, University of Cape Town

Why do most capitalist economies have socialist health care systems? How can we preserve them? What would Aneurin Bevan think? These are the three main questions addressed by this book.

In the 1950s, through In Place of Fear, Bevan made a strong case for a National Health Service which he had been instrumental in establishing in the UK in 1948. But he did not articulate the accompanying economic case. That case is presented here in an accessible way and extended to social care. A comprehensive understanding of ‘tried and tested’ means of financing health care is presented, alongside assessments of repeated and new approaches proposed in policy circles as quick fixes to funding shortfalls. This is tackled across four themes: the role of the private sector; making choices in the face of resource scarcity; workforce planning and remuneration; and preparation for pandemics. The emerging proposals carry a cost to the public purse, but must be weighed against the costs and unfairness of further disintegration. With a special focus on the UK and the NHS at a critical time for policy change, this essential book provides the blueprint for policymakers, clinical leadership and politicians needing to pay more attention to the economic issues underlying health and social care as they shape In Place of Fear 2.0.

Cam Donaldson PhD FRSE is Emeritus Yunus Chair at Glasgow Caledonian University and Professor of Health Economics at Australian National University.