Question

Module name: Public Economics. Can you please answer these quesions in detail and completey.

3 (a) (50 marks) Explain the reasons that could justify a role for the government in the health care sector (b) Assess critically the National Health Service of the UK in terms of(50 marks) efficiency

Answer 1

3. (a) Government’s responsibility to protect and advance the interests of society includes the delivery of high-quality health care. Because the market alone cannot ensure all Americans access to quality health care, the government must preserve the interests of its citizens by supplementing the market where there are gaps and regulating the market where there is inefficiency or unfairness. The ultimate goal of achieving high quality of care will require strong partnerships among federal, state, and local governments and the private sector. Translating general principles regarding the appropriate role of government into specific actions within a rapidly changing, decentralized delivery system will require the combined efforts of the public and private sectors.

Government can play a role in improving the quality and safety of health care in the United States at almost all levels of authority—federal, state, and local.

Role of Government

Purchase health care

Provide health care

Ensure access to quality care for vulnerable populations

Regulate health care markets

Develop and evaluate health technologies and practices

Monitor health care quality (to supply social and public goods; to instill trust and accountability)