Tag Archives: Bearing

A Case Study about Public Private Partnership in Singapore: Shifting the Burden of Health Care Finance

Abstract: Since becoming independent in 1965, Singapore has attained high standards in health care provision while successfully transferring a substantial portion of the health care burden to the private sector. The government’s share of total health care expenditure contracted from 50% in 1965 to 25% in 2000. At first glance, the efficiency-driven health care financing reforms which emphasize individual over state responsibility appear to have been implemented at the expense of equity. On closer examination, however, Singaporeans themselves seem unconcerned about any perceived inequity of the system. Indeed, they appear content to pay part of their medical expenses, plus additional monies if they demand a higher level of services. In fact, access to needed care for the poor is explicitly guaranteed.

Introduction : Governments around the world are realizing that while publicly financed, universal health care is undoubtedly humane, it can be an enormous drain on national resources and extremely difficult to sustain in the long run. At the same time, no government has been reckless enough to abandon health care entirely to free market forces. Invariably, therefore, a public–private mix of funding mechanisms exists in most countries. Increasingly, the debate is no longer about “who pays?” but what is the optimal formula for cost-sharing, bearing in mind the need to balance efficiency goals against equity concerns. Keep reading…