Health Economics

1. Define and apply basic economic concepts to healthcare.
2. Analyze the factors influencing demand and supply in healthcare markets.
3. Evaluate different healthcare financing mechanisms.
4. Assess the cost-effectiveness of health programs.
5. Understand the structure and implementation of the National Health Insurance Scheme in Nigeria.

13 weeks, about 26 hours in total. Yours will differ.

1. Week 1Module 1: -

   • Unit 1: Introduction to Economics · 2 hours

     Read the definition of economics and understand its scope.. Study the basic concepts in economics: goods, services, scarcity, opportunity cost, utility, demand, and supply.. Relate these concepts to your daily life and environment..

2. Week 2Module 1: -

   • Unit 2: Introduction to Health Economics · 2 hours

     Define health economics and understand its importance.. Study the concepts of health as an economic good and medical economics.. Examine the relationship between the economy and health, and the impact of globalization on health..

3. Week 3Module 1: -

   • Unit 3: Demand and Supply in Healthcare · 2 hours

     Understand the concepts of demand and supply in healthcare.. Analyze the reasons why healthcare needs exceed effective demand.. Study the elasticity of demand and resource allocation in healthcare..

4. Week 4Module 1: -

   • Unit 4: Cost of Healthcare · 2 hours

     Study the types and elements of healthcare costs.. Examine the benefits of healthcare and economic appraisal methods.. Analyze the reasons for the increasing cost of healthcare and the peculiarities of the healthcare market..

5. Week 5Module 1: -

   • Unit 5: Budgeting · 2 hours

     Define budget and understand basic concepts related to it.. Study the various types of budgets: operating, personnel, capital expenditure, and cash budgets.. Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of budgeting in healthcare..

6. Week 6Module 2: -

   • Unit 1: Cost Containment in Healthcare · 2 hours

     Understand cost considerations and containment strategies in healthcare.. Study cost awareness, monitoring, avoidance, reduction, and control.. Examine ways to contain the cost of healthcare, including in primary healthcare..

7. Week 7Module 2: -

   • Unit 2: Poverty and Health · 2 hours

     Define poverty and understand its impact on health.. Examine the relationship between health problems and the economy.. Analyze how an improved economy can lead to improved health outcomes..

8. Week 8Module 2: -

   • Unit 3: Health Financing I · 2 hours

     Explore the options in healthcare financing: direct government financing, user charges, and community financing.. Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each option..

9. Week 9Module 2: -

   • Unit 4: Health Financing II · 2 hours

     Study health insurance, foreign aid, and voluntary donations as healthcare financing options.. Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each option..

10. Week 10Module 2: -

    • Unit 5: Health Insurance · 2 hours

      Define health insurance and understand its history and evolution.. Study the various types of health insurance schemes: private, public, social, community, direct, indirect, and reimbursement.. Analyze the problems associated with health insurance..

11. Week 11Module 3: -

    • Unit 1: Healthcare Financing in Nigeria · 2 hours

      Understand the National Health Policy on healthcare financing.. Examine health financing by tiers of government and various healthcare expenditure patterns.. Study the options in healthcare financing in Nigeria..

12. Week 12Module 3: -

    • Unit 2: National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in Nigeria · 2 hours

      Study the history and objectives of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in Nigeria.. Understand the healthcare benefits of the scheme and how it works.. Analyze the Nigerian concept of NHIS..

13. Week 13Module 3: -

    • Unit 3: Strategies for Implementation of NHIS in Nigeria · 2 hours

      Examine the strategies for implementation of NHIS in Nigeria, including the use of HMOs, involvement of insurance companies, and malpractice insurance.. Study the registration/licensing of healthcare providers, payment systems, and responsibilities of providers.. Understand the classification of health providers within the NHIS framework..