An Analysis of the Structure, Equity and Effectiveness of Public Sector Health Systems in Developing Countries: The Case of Tunisia 1960-1972

Abstract

This paper presents an economic analysis of the health and medical sector in Tunisia. After reviewing the structure of investment and recurrent expenditure policy over the first planning decade, it analyzes the effectiveness with which resources are allocated in the health system. It provides a theoretical framework for the analysis of medical referral systems as well as an analysis of (1) the pattern of demand for medical services, (2) the operating characteristics of Tunisia's medical referral system, (3) the causes of capacity underutilization in hospitals and (4) the incidence of government medical expenditure. Finally, the paper evaluates Tunisia's medical manpower strategy.