Improving fiscal space for health from the perspective of efficiency in low- and middle-income countries: What is the evidence?

ABSTRACT:

Background

Conceptual frameworks of fiscal space for health have traditionally considered health system efficiency improvements as a means to free up resources for the sector. However, there has been no comprehensive review of the evidence to confirm the relationship between efficiency and fiscal space.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review to synthesize evidence on whether efficiency gains increase fiscal space for health. We searched bibliographic databases for specific keywords - namely, fiscal space, efficiency and health - and identified 22 articles that examined links between efficiency gains and fiscal space for health. The articles, which encapsulated 28 case studies, were included in the analysis.

Results

The 28 case studies varied widely with regard to ho

SUBMITTER: Zeng W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7568933 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature