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Tackling Wasteful Spending on Health

image of Tackling Wasteful Spending on Health

Following a brief pause after the economic crisis, health expenditure is rising again in most OECD countries. Yet, a considerable part of this health expenditure makes little or no contribution to improving people's health. In some cases, it even results in worse health outcomes. Countries could potentially spend significantly less on health care with no impact on health system performance, or on health outcomes. This report systematically reviews strategies put in place by countries to limit ineffective spending and waste. On the clinical front, preventable errors and low-value care are discussed. The operational waste discussion reviews strategies to obtain lower prices for medical goods and to better target the use of expensive inputs. Finally, the report reviews countries experiences in containing administrative costs and integrity violations in health.

English

Executive summary

Health care systems in OECD countries are better than ever at promoting improved health and longevity, yet they involve major budgetary commitments that countries struggle to keep in check. Pressure is ever-mounting to provide greater and more equitable access to quality care and new treatments to ageing populations.

English

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