The author delves into the factors influencing health services demand. An empirical analysis was conducted based on regression models with dichotomous variables on a sample group of 4,540 children.   The main questions the piece attempts to answer are: Which are the factors behind the frequency of child illness in Peru and the household leader's decision to seek the assistance of medical services?; and what dictates the decision to visit a specific health center.

The focalization of social expenditure acquires special importance in the context of high poverty rates and a tight government budget. This article reviews theoretical concepts on social expenditure and explains the two possible "errors" of a social program: to exclude those who need it and to include those who do not.   The minimization of the cost-effectiveness ratio of social expenditure demands the reduction of these errors and, according to this effort, the article points out the danger of considering the beneficiary as passive agents. The transfers of resources have "incentive-effects" that generates reactions in the population that can harm (or favor) the initial objectives of the program.   In this regard, the authors propose a methodology of analysis in regards to the effectiveness of social programs for children care and transfers on the decision to work by the mother, taking...

Social marketing means the designing and implementation of strategies aimed at promoting an idea or supporting a certain consumer behavior with philanthropic purposes. Ultimately, it seeks to fostering a consumer choice conducive to social benefits. One extent of social marketing is that of the consumption of health products by women at fertile age. This article presents a methodology for the impact evaluation of an advertising campaign belonging to a broader social marketing strategy supporting a nutritive supplement. Based on Gary Becker's views concerning the effect of advertising over consumption patterns on individuals with stable utility functions, the evaluation methodology aims to measure statistically the causality relationship between the media campaign and the consumption of the nutritive supplement, operating through the effect of advertising over the perception of benefits f...

Ensuring adequate numbers of skilled and motivated health professionals is a serious policy issue in many developing and transitional countries. While quantitative data about workers migration and absenteeism is often available, qualitative evidence on factors that influence health workforce performance is scarce and can be valuable for health planners and policy makers. This article uses findings from focus group discussions with Nicaraguan health workers to identify performance problems, as well as their sources and potential solutions. The authors argue that the problems identified have been exacerbated by Nicaragua’s ongoing decentralization process, the lack of effective regulation and worker incentive system. To address the central issue of worker motivation, Health Ministry (Minsa) must accompany the decentralization process and the empowerment of the Public Local System of Heal...

En este artículo, se lleva a cabo un análisis de los factores que obstaculizan la efectiva y eficiente administración de los recursos del Estado, y se realiza una propuesta de un nuevo paradigma para la gestión pública. Múltiples obstáculos impiden alcanzar el bienestar de la ciudadanía con atención a su diversidad; eliminarlos; y redefinir la gestión pública con un cambio de prioridades de las políticas públicas que permitirá alcanzar crecimiento con inclusión. El vector de inclusión requiere inversiones importantes en capital humano –educación, salud y tecnología– para elevar el bienestar y la calidad de vida, y en infraestructura física, para alcanzar mayor productividad y absorción del progreso tecnológico. Las prioridades son: empleo registrado (formal) y productivo, reforma del sector salud, educación e inversiones con criterio de integración social. Esta...