It is an accepted fact that economic considerations play an important role in all aspects of life. Thus, health policy and its implementation are strongly influenced by macroeconomic considerations; and this is where health economics tools can help planners in making choices. Although health economics in Malaysia is increasingly recognised as a discipline that has much to offer in decision-making towards efficient allocation of resources, it has remained as the preserve of a few specialists and is not widely used by others in the health sector. Health economics, as a sub-specialty in Public Health, is at its’ infancy in terms of research and development. It is evident that there are plenty of research opportunities and possibilities in the field of Health economics that might benefit the development of the healthcare sector in this country. A lack of expertise should not constrain the development of health economics research here. A wider understanding of the discipline is required if it is to support health sectors, rather than remain as the preserve of a few specialists.

Now, for the first time, papers on topical issues related to health economics and planning in Malaysia in the past decade are compiled in a single, concise book. The findings of the papers serve to provide a deeper insight into the needs of the health sector besides providing useful basic material on health economics.

Author: Syed Mohamed Aljunid, Nabilla Al-Sadat Abdul Mohsein
Retail Price: RM 25.00
Softcover: 179 pages (2002)
Publisher: University of Malaya Press
ISBN 983-100-141-9