What is the primary goal of healthcare economics?

The primary goal of healthcare economics is to allocate resources efficiently to improve health outcomes and control costs. This approach is fundamental because the healthcare sector is characterized by limited resources, including finances, personnel, and technological tools. Effective resource allocation ensures that healthcare interventions yield the best possible health outcomes for the population, while also maintaining affordability and sustainability within the healthcare system.

By focusing on efficiency, healthcare economics aims to minimize waste and ensure that every dollar spent contributes to improving public health. This principle aligns healthcare spending with the overall goal of achieving optimal health outcomes for individuals and communities. In this context, controlling costs is equally important, as rising healthcare costs can lead to reduced access to necessary services, thus negatively impacting overall health outcomes.

While improving employee satisfaction and enhancing patient experience are important aspects of healthcare delivery, they are not the primary focus of healthcare economics. Additionally, although maximizing profits is a goal for many healthcare organizations, it does not necessarily align with the broader objectives of health economics, which prioritize health outcomes and equitable access to care.