Economic and Welfare Impact of the Abolition of Health User Fees: Evidence from Uganda

Authors: Deininger, Klaus; Mpuga, Paul

Source: Journal of African Economies, Volume 14, Number 1, March 2005 , pp. 55-91(37)

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Abstract:

Household level data for Uganda for 1999/2000 and 2002/3, before and after the abolition of user fees for public health services, are used to explore the impact of this policy on different groups' ability to access health services and morbidity outcomes. We find that the policy change improved access and reduced the probability of sickness in a way that was particularly beneficial to the poor. Although the challenge of maintaining service quality remains, aggregate benefits are estimated to be significantly larger than the estimated shortfalls from the abolition of user fees.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/jae/ejh034

Publication date: 2005-03-01

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The Journal of African Economies is a vehicle to carry rigorous economic analysis, focused entirely on Africa, for Africans and anyone interested in the continent - be they consultants, policymakers, academics, traders, financiers, development agents or aid workers. Each issue of the Journal of African Economies contains applied research of the highest standard, together with a comprehensive book review section, and a listing of the current working papers from around the world.