An investigation of the determinants of public health expenditure in SADC
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Date
2020
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
The prime objective of this study was to investigate the determinants of domestic public health expenditure in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) using annual panel data for the period 2000 to 20 16. Combinations of macroeconomic, technological and demographic factors were used as select determinants. The study also made an inquiry into the income elasticity of health and the stochastic convergence of domestic public health expenditures in SADC. In trying to fulfil these objectives, the study employed a heterogeneous dynamic panel, making use of the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL), Pooled Mean Group Estimator. The study established that in the long-run, GOP per capita, infant mortality rate and the ageing population had negative and significant relationships with domestic public health expenditures. Meanwhile, unemployment had a positive and significant relationship with domestic public health expenditures. However, in the short run, the results were almost insignificant. The results also indicate that health is a necessity in SADC. Additionally, the stochastic convergence test confirmed that there is growth in domestic public health expenditures towards the
regional average. These empirical results imply that staying committed to the efficient collection and equitable distribution of domestic resources for health will see many governments' meet the 2001 Abuja declaration on health target.
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Economics
Keywords
Determinants, Public health expenditure, SADC