During the current pandemic days, we may ask ourselves what we can do to have a better health service. With this in mind, different ideas on how to deal with the additional burden on the national health service have been brought to the debate. While some call for the reinforcement of the national health system, there are others who advocate for a share of the burden with the private sector. What is the best solution? Are the two visions reconcilable?
This question should be answered and studied, but what can help us find a solution?
Health Economics is a knowledge area aimed at examining the challenges faced in promoting healthcare for all. This field of the economics applies economic theories in order to understand the behaviour and interactions between individuals and health organizations, such as public, private hospitals, and the so-called third sector.
Among other things, this science field can bring us valid information and strategies on how to deal with pandemic situations, as moments that require increased effort from the health systems, and how to prepare the national health service to be able to address the different challenges brought by an increasingly ageing population.
While health Economics can bring several advantages, crossing information with other knowledge and health organizations is required to achieve a better effectiveness of results.

NEC Member
Student of the Bachelor’s Degree in Economics
Nova School of Business and Economcis