The need for health economic model guidelines in South Africa

Abstract

There are currently no guidelines in South Africa for effective decision making towards improving the health status of the population and ensuring fair and equitable resource allocation. This is because of the absence of a local health technology assessment (HTA) body and/or standardised framework for such assessments. Guidelines exist globally; however shortcomings include that they fail to make explicit allowance for rationing of care because of the affordability constraints.

Contribution: This article highlights the dire need for effective implementation of health economics guidelines to ensure the best possible health outcomes within the affordability constraints present in the South African context.