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Question 1: Some argue that healthcare delivery issues are purely technical,
managerial or clinical. There is, therefore, no need for economists to be involved.
Discuss. (10)
The efficient delivery of healthcare is a multifaceted challenge that extends beyond
the realms of technical expertise, managerial skill, and clinical proficiency. While these
areas are undeniably crucial to the operation of healthcare systems, the role of
economics in shaping and improving healthcare delivery cannot be overlooked.
Economic principles and analyses offer critical insights into how resources are
allocated, how incentives shape behavior, and how policies impact both cost and
access to care. Some argue that healthcare is primarily a field for medical
professionals and managers, and that economists have little to contribute. However,
this perspective overlooks the significant role that economic principles and analyses
play in shaping effective healthcare systems. This essay will explore why economists
should be involved in healthcare delivery by examining the limitations of purely
technical, managerial, or clinical approaches and illustrating how economic insights
can address systemic challenges.
Technical and Managerial Aspects of Healthcare
According to McPake, Normand, Smith and Nolan (2020) technical and managerial
aspects of healthcare primarily focus on the efficiency and effectiveness of service
delivery. Technical issues pertain to the accuracy and precision of medical procedures
and treatments, while managerial issues deal with the organization and administration
of healthcare services. For instance, optimizing surgical techniques or managing
hospital resources are technical and managerial challenges respectively (Kronick &
Kahn, 2018).
However, these issues are often interlinked with economic factors. For example, the
allocation of limited resources in healthcare facilities, such as the availability of
specialized equipment or the distribution of medical staff, is not just a managerial
challenge but an economic one. Efficient resource allocation requires understanding
opportunity costs and trade-offs, concepts central to economics (Baker & Al-Mandhari,
2021). Thus, while technical and managerial skills are crucial, integrating economic
perspectives can enhance the decision-making process.
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world
