Health Policy Reform: Driving the Wrong Way? focuses on the main structural, managerial and policy changes that have been taking place within the world's health care systems since the early 1990s. It questions whether these 'reforms' are driven primarily by the health needs of the wider population or, in fact, by non-health considerations - the financial, ideological and political concerns of governments and global institutions. John Lister demonstrates that health care spending is almost inversely proportional to the global burden of disease - in other words, those most in need are receiving fewest resources. This major new study fills a gap in the literature covering the recent history of health care provision and is unique in its global scope. It presents the key issues facing health policymakers and uses a common framework to produce a consistent analysis of situations in different countries. Recommendations for change are backed up by extensive and authoritative research. While the book is serious in its content it is also highly readable, clear and accessible.

Author Biography

John Lister is the information director and principal researcher for London Health Emergency, the trade union-backed pressure group that, since 1983, plays a prominent role in challenging and campaigning against cutbacks and privatization market-style reforms.