The willingness to pay for medical health care : a feasibility assessment for introducing patient co-payments schemes in the public health system of Malta

Abstract

Health care is a very important value in its own right and this is recognised worldwide and there has been a steady and increasing interest in strengthening this assets systematically by all governments on a global level. Everything flows from our ability to enjoy and maintain good and healthy lifestyles. The study demonstrates why in almost all countries, governments provide most of the resources for the health care system. It speculates why government, in both industrial and developing countries, are so highly involved in the provision of medical care. In this research, the Maltese health care system is used as a case study with detailed information, for the specific and relatively narrow question that is being posed; Are patient co-payments and user-fees for medical care a desirable and feasible alternative to government funding? Given that challenges and pressures that are currently impinging on the Maltese Health Care System, would the generation of additional funding mechanisms enhance these challenges and maintain the high levels of quality that the system commensurate? This study is essentially about money - money to pay for delivering health services with particular reference to the local public health system, that could be utilized to further increase efficiency levels and enhance the process of structural and financial reforms that are needed. This research undertakes an attempt towards describing the overall performance and satisfaction levels that the Maltese people have in the public health system. An overview of the main acute hospitals in Malta was carried out to assess the health care delivery compared to other countries in terms of beds per population.