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Abstract

Globalization is a force shaping societies and economies for decades to come. There are growing flows of ideas, people and resources across borders as the world economy integrates. This is as true of health care sector as it is of other sectors. Globalization is the theme of the 4th annual Congress of the International Health Economics Association to be held in San Francisco in June 2003. Countries around the world have much to learn from each others' experiences. Some countries have been front runners in innovations in technology, organizational forms and management systems. Others have done well in equity in access to and outcomes of health care. There are many familiar trade-offs in health care: how to deliver quality care to consumers within reasonable costs; how to promote equity and still preserve choice in modes of financing and delivery; how to stimulate and reward innovations while passing on the benefits to the largest possible number of consumers. Developments in biotechnology and genetics offer exciting possibilities but are raising new policy questions. Different countries are grappling with these old and new policy issues in their own ways. There are lessons to be learned and past mistakes to be avoided.

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