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Analyzing the Financial Sustainability of User Fee Removal Policies: A Rapid First Assessment Methodology with a Practical Application for Burkina Faso

Author

Listed:
  • Jacky Mathonnat

    (University Clermont Auvergne and FERDI (Fondation pour les Etudes et Recherches sur le Développement International))

  • Martine Audibert

    (University Clermont Auvergne, CERDI (Centre d’Etudes et de Recherches sur le Développement International))

  • Salam Belem

    (Ministry of Health)

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to briefly present a methodological framework that does not require cumbersome investigations for a first assessment of the financial sustainability of policies aiming to remove or reduce healthcare user fees (the so-called free healthcare policy [FHCP]). This paper is organized in two main sections. The first analyzes the various possibilities available to finance an FHCP. Using several scenarios, it includes a special focus devoted to the calculus of what to consider when assessing the sustainability of expanding fiscal space for financing the FHCP. The second section relies on the current FHCP being implemented in Burkina Faso to illustrate a selection of specific issues raised in the methodological framework. The results suggest that sustainable FHCP financing is not outside the range of the government but does represent a significant challenge, as it will require, both currently and in the future, complex and delicate budget trade-offs at the highest governmental levels, regardless of other policy options to be considered.

Suggested Citation

  • Jacky Mathonnat & Martine Audibert & Salam Belem, 2020. "Analyzing the Financial Sustainability of User Fee Removal Policies: A Rapid First Assessment Methodology with a Practical Application for Burkina Faso," Applied Health Economics and Health Policy, Springer, vol. 18(6), pages 767-780, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:aphecp:v:18:y:2020:i:6:d:10.1007_s40258-019-00506-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s40258-019-00506-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mr. Peter S. Heller, 2005. "Understanding Fiscal Space," IMF Policy Discussion Papers 2005/004, International Monetary Fund.
    2. Xu, Ke & Evans, David B. & Kadama, Patrick & Nabyonga, Juliet & Ogwal, Peter Ogwang & Nabukhonzo, Pamela & Aguilar, Ana Mylena, 2006. "Understanding the impact of eliminating user fees: Utilization and catastrophic health expenditures in Uganda," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 62(4), pages 866-876, February.
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    Blog mentions

    As found by EconAcademics.org, the blog aggregator for Economics research:
    1. Chris Sampson’s journal round-up for 28th December 2020
      by Chris Sampson in The Academic Health Economists' Blog on 2020-12-28 12:00:00

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    Cited by:

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    2. Pankaj Bahuguna & Emiko Masaki & Gursimer Jeet & Shankar Prinja, 2023. "Financing Comprehensive Immunization Services in Lao PDR: A Fiscal Space Analysis From a Public Policy Perspective," Applied Health Economics and Health Policy, Springer, vol. 21(1), pages 131-140, January.

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