The course introduces students to the study of public economics applied to the analysis of the health care sector. The aim is to provide students with the instruments and knowledge to understand the reasons for public intervention in health (market failures), the organisation and financing of health systems, and the issues relating to the demand and supply of health services. Particular attention will be devoted to health systems financing, from resource mobilization to the different methods used to purchase services. Finally, the course will examine the health financing policies of European countries.

At the end of the course, the student will be able to analyse the main problems affecting the health care sector and will have acquired the basic tools to analyse the behaviour of economic agents and their interactions in the markets. The student will also have gained in-depth knowledge of the main health care models, their financing systems and the methodologies followed to assess resource allocation in the health care sector.