Dynamic analysis of several health economic indexes in China in the 1990s / 中华医院管理杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To grasp the features of the macro health economic operation in China in the 1990s. Methods The method of retrospective analysis was used to compare the tendencies of increase in the total health costs, medical expenses, costs of medical services and expenses for medicine in China from 1990 to 2000. Results The total health costs in China were constantly on the increase, with an average annual increase rate of 13 33%. Medical expenses also showed a tendency of accelerated increase from 1993 on, with an average annual increase rate of 10 83%. The average annual rates of increase in costs of medical services and expenses for medicine were respectively 14 14% and 11 07%. From 1994 on, the rate of increase in the above indexes was apparently higher than the growth rate of GDP. Conclusion Although some effects have been achieved through "total quantity control and structural readjustment", the health economic situation in China remains to be further improved when compared with developed countries.