Policy and economics in health care

Abstract

Introduction

The government has an important role in ensuring the right to health by providing sustainable and quality health care, and ensuring the universality and equity of access, values that may be in question due to lack of resources.

Development

The health spending worsened over the years, so it became necessary to take steps towards cost containment and establishment of priorities. In Portugal the severe economic crisis imposed that these measures were implemented in a short time.

Conclusions

Its implementation contributed favourably to a more efficient management of available resources, and resulted in a more difficult access to health care and medicines.