This introductory course explains key economic concepts that are relevant to the public healthcare industry. The presentation takes the perspective from the Government and other public institutions. The course covers healthcare demand and disparities, social health insurance, public hospitals and physician practices, cost-effectiveness analysis, and public health. The course is structured so that it can be taken along its sister course "Economics and policy of the private Healthcare Industry", or independently. Note that the public version of the course will also be beneficial to those aspiring to a career in the private sector as it will be an asset to understand the regulatory framework in which they will operate.

• Understand key health economic concepts
• Ability to apply health economic theory to real life situations
• Acquire skills that are directly relevant to the industry

A minimum of 75% attendance is required.

• The lecturers will explain key economic theory and the understanding will be consolidated by selected readings from a leading health economics textbook and other sources.
• Economic theory will be presented in the context of real life applications introduced via relevant newspaper articles and case studies.
• Understanding of theory and specific skills will be acquired by means of in-class exercises and short home assignments.

Assessments (relative weights in the final grade)

• Participation (20%)
• Mid-term quizz 1 (20%)
• Mid-term quizz 2 (20%)
• Final exam (40%)

Grades (point ranges)

• 1: Excellent (90-100 points)
• 2: Good (80-89 points)
• 3: Satisfactory (65-79 points)
• 4: Sufficient (50-64 points)
• 5: Fail (0-49 points)

Please email lecturers for office hours.