Strengthening public health financing is essential to reduce inequalities and build effective, equity-driven primary health care systems, says Dr. Eddy Pérez-Then in a new analysis.
Adequate financing is a critical factor in determining the effectiveness and equity of health systems, argues Dr. Eddy Pérez-Then in a recent analysis published on DiarioSalud. He highlights that sustained, redistributive public spending can eliminate economic barriers, ensuring universal health coverage and robust primary health care (PHC). Countries like Costa Rica, Thailand, and Brazil exemplify how strategic investments in PHC can improve access and reduce health inequalities.
Dr. Pérez-Then warns that insufficient or poorly allocated funding exacerbates gaps, particularly for marginalised groups like rural and indigenous communities. Systems that rely heavily on market mechanisms or co-payments often leave vulnerable populations behind. He contrasts Brazil’s universal tax-based system with Chile’s segmented approach, where income-based disparities in access persist despite reforms.
For PHC to function effectively, countries must increase and stabilise public spending, reduce out-of-pocket costs, and unify fragmented financing structures. Dr. Pérez-Then concludes that financing health is not just a technical necessity but an ethical imperative for social justice. Strengthening PHC through equitable financing lays the foundation for resilient systems capable of addressing both everyday health needs and crises like COVID-19.
