Economic policy and public health: fiscal balance and population wellbeing

equilibrio fiscal y bienestar de la población

Abstract

Many studies have observed the effects of economic crises and austerity policies on high income countries. However, few and very recent ones start to cover the  effects on low and medium income countries. In this  perspective, we revise the recent studies focusing on  the immediate effects on public health, specially on  the most vulnerable population. We preferred to consider the joint effects of the economic crises and  austerity for understanding that the funding deficits  of social policies and their implications on coverage  and quality of service provision are interlinked. Recent  publications indicate the decline of basic  public health indicators, suggesting that the reduction  of investments can already be felt on  policies for health promotion, prevention and care.  The currently economic debate falsely presents  austerity measures as the single alternative for  promoting fiscal responsibility. Brazil needs to change  its development route not only to fight the  effects of the economic crises but also to recover the  way for improvement on socioeconomic inclusion and  public health.