How Specialization Is Making Quality Care More Affordable Across The Globe

Developing countries are catching up to the rest of the world — and in this case it isn’t good news. Higher rates of non-communicable diseases are increasing demand for services to treat cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Taking care of these patients, whether rich or poor, will require a massive expansion of services — from detection through complicated tertiary care. Both public and private sector providers will need to find affordable ways to close the gap between what’s available and the treatment that’s needed. Without proper planning, efforts to expand health services can come with a big price tag for health systems in countries still struggling to provide basic health services. High costs can limit access to health services widely available in the developed world, and delay goals for implementing universal health coverage in developing countries. The Promise Of Specialization Expanding services doesn’t have to be cost prohibitive. Examples of specialty service providers are emerging from developing countries and demonstrating that it is possible to reduce costs and deliver quality care in a financially sustainable way. High volume is central to the success of these hospital and clinic networks, so it isn’t surprising that pioneering companies are coming out of India and China — countries that are each home to over 1 billion people. With a relatively higher share of out-of-pocket payments for patients in most developing countries, ...
Source: Health Affairs Blog - Category: Health Management Authors: Tags: Costs and Spending Equity and Disparities Featured Global Health Organization and Delivery Population Health Public Health Quality China India Mexico NCDs Source Type: blogs