Sething priorities for the allocation of resources to health care

Abstract

In Brazil, as in developed countries, significant portion of resources directed to the health sector is spent with the inefficient and powerful high technology practice. Moreover, there are evidences that indicate increasing cost trends coupled with cost containrnent caused by economic recession. This paper urges for the need to change this picture through a systematic process of setting priorities, where society chooses by transparent methods which health service it wishes and what to expect from these services in terms of outcomes. Initially, we present the subject in its national and international dimension. We show that the exclusive use of quality assurance methods to improve process production in health care is limited. Current experiences being used do set priorities are explored. Finally, we raise methodological concerns for setting priorities.