Searching the Literatura Latino Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS) database improves systematic reviews

The article presents an evaluation about the possibility of LILACS - Literatura Latino Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde database be used as a routine source to identify studies for systematic reviews.

American Journal of Epidemiology H1N1 papers: free access

It presents papers about influenza A H1N1 freely available. Articles shown from the most recent to older ones.

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine - eCAM

It presents information related to the journal, such as editorial board, advertising, reprints, e-letters, meetings and also brings instructions to authors. It provides alerting services, an archive of all online issues and a journal search. The articles are available in PDF format; Acrobat Reader needed.

Equitable financing, out-of-pocket payments and the role of health care reform in Colombia

The study suggest that the expected impact of pre-payment on household’s direct payment to providers has not taken place to the extent policy-makers assumed, at least in urban settings. Document in PDF format, required Acrobat Reader.

Public health infrastructure and equity in the utilization of outpatient health care services in Peru

This study analyzes the nature of the socioeconomic differences in the utilization of outpatient health care services in Peru using the information provided by the 1997 LSMS survey. In particular, the analysis focuses on the magnitude of the income effect, when controlling for other correlates, and the equity-enhancing effect of improvements in the geographical distribution of public health centers, considering that such infrastructure was significantly improved during the 1990’s. The study has found that differences in the utilization of health care by socioeconomic status are larger in Peru than in other countries of the region. Document in PDF format, required Acrobat Reader.

Health equity in transition from planned to market economy in China

Despite improvement in the health status of the Chinese population from 1993 to 1998, as expressed by the declining overall and infant mortality rates and possible decline in health care needs, there is reason for concern. There is a general trends to reduced equity with respect to receiving health care according to need within and between the urban and rural populations. Furthermore, there is evidence that the higher income earners do not shoulder a burden of financing health care service commensurate with their ability to pay. Document in PDF format, required Acrobat Reader.

Geographic patterns of deprivation in South Africa: informing health equity analyses and public resource allocation strategies

Provides some insights into how to strengthen resource allocation in pursuit of vertical equity goals within South Africa. The resource allocation implications of this study have particular relevance to countries that have pursued a devolution approach to decentralization. Document in PDF format, required Acrobat Reader.

Economic transition and maternal health care for internal migrants in Shanghai, China

There are clear inequities with respect to both service access and pregnancy outcome between permanent residents and migrants in Shanghai. There are several barriers for migrants preventing them from using the services. All of which leads to marginalization. Document in PDF format, required Acrobat Reader.

Hospital charge exemptions for the poor in Shandong, China

Presents a text about that the present discount system for hospitals in Shandong neither does nor provide effective protection for the poor in terms of either coverage or benefits. Inadequate financial and political support for implementing such programs appears to be the main reason for this. Discount programs in public hospitals are unlikely to truly increase access to health care for the indigent without strong financial and regulatory support from government. Document in PDF format, required Acrobat Reader.

Exemptions and waivers from cost sharing: ineffective safety nets in decentralized districts in Uganda

Provides useful information showing that the poor and other marginalized groups lack equitable access to health care in many developing countries, not much has been done to address this dilemma. Document in PDF format, required Acrobat Reader.

Equity, privatization and cost recovery in urban health care: the case of Lao PDR

Presents a study about the social goal of access to quality health care for all, as outlined in the Lao PDR reform policy, is not likely to be achieved with the current direction of development. Inequities between those who can afford comprehensive private services, such as through licensed private clinics, and those who have no access or have to settle for buying drugs on an ad hoc basis depending on their current resource situation, is huge and likely to grow as the private sector becomes further developed. Document in PDF format, required Acrobat Reader.

From state to market: the Nicaraguan labour market for health personnel

"...Few countries in Latin America have experienced in such a short period the shift from a socialist government and centrally planned economy to a liberal market economy as Nicaragua. The impact of such a change in the health field has been supported by the quest for reform of the health system and the involvement of external financial agencies aimed at leading the process. However, this change has not been reflected in the planning of human resources for health. Trends in education reflect the policiesof past decades. The Ministry of Health is the main employer of health personnel in the country, but in recent years its capacity to persuit new personnel has diminished. Currently, various categories of health personnel are looking for new opportunities in a changing labour environment where new actors are appearing and claiming an influential role. It may take more than political willingness from the government to redefine the new priorities in the field of human resources for health and subsequently turn it into positive action..." (Au)(Sign-in/subscription is necessary for full-text)