A Strategy for Investment in Health

Abstract

Investment in health in developing countries is an indispensable concomitant of economic investment. Together with education, health forms the social infrastructure required for development. Investment in human capital alone is not determinant of improved living conditions in developing countries. It must be complemented by investments in agriculture, industry, and economic infrastructure in order to create jobs for a healthier, growing work force. Investments in health by external agencies are modest when measured by need, and by the investment efforts of the countries themselves. In order to optimize these external investments, an investment strategy is called for, consisting of these elements: 1. Health planning should be a prerequisite for the efficient use of external financial assistance. The health plan of a country should be part of a national development plan. 2. Preference in the allocation of resources should be given to those countries, or regions within countries, whose health situations are least satisfactory. 3. Availability of skilled health manpower needs to be assured for the implementation of health plans. 4. External investment should avoid structures and equipment of a prestige nature. Preference should be given to facilities designed to implement health plans. 5. Opportunities in the industrial infrastructure of health programs–pharmaceutical, biologic, nutritional, and medical equipment industries–should be encouraged. 6. Special concern should be exercised with respect to the health aspects of industrial and physical infrastructure projects. The overall goal of the investment strategy should be improved health for the greatest number.