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dc.titleA Moving Target: Universal Access to Healthcare Services in Latin America and the Caribbean
dc.contributor.authorSavedoff, William D.
dc.contributor.orgunitDepartment of Research and Chief Economist
dc.coverageThe Caribbean
dc.coverageCentral America
dc.coverageSouth America
dc.date.available2011-09-23T00:00:00
dc.date.issue2009-01-01T00:00:00
dc.description.abstractHealthcare services are more widespread in Latin America and the Caribbean today than 50 years ago, yet this availability is not necessarily reflected in popular perceptions. This study documents the expansion of healthcare services in the region in terms of medically-trained professionals, service utilization, and insurance eligibility. It finds that people in countries with more doctors have a more positive view of access to healthcare and greater confidence in the healthcare system. However, other factors intervene in this relationship between perceptions and objective indicators, such as the strength of local social networks and wealth. As a consequence of rising expectations, differential access and continuing discontent, public policy can be driven by factors that are least likely to improve the population's health.
dc.format.extent34
dc.identifier.doihttp://dx.doi.org/10.18235/0011233
dc.identifier.urlhttps://publications.iadb.org/publications/english/document/A-Moving-Target-Universal-Access-to-Healthcare-Services-in-Latin-America-and-the-Caribbean.pdf
dc.language.isoen
dc.mediumAdobe PDF
dc.publisherInter-American Development Bank
dc.subjectHealth Services
dc.subjectHealth Policy
dc.subjectSocial Policy and Protection
dc.subject.jelcodeI11 - Analysis of Health Care Markets
dc.subject.jelcodeI18 - Government Policy • Regulation • Public Health
dc.subject.jelcodeN96 - Latin America • Caribbean
dc.subject.keywordsmedical care, health services accessibility, needs assessment, health policy, Health Financing, Access, Happiness
dc.typeWorking Papers
idb.identifier.pubnumberWorking Papers
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