Full Description
This book addresses the puzzle of why the World Bank was unable to effect sweeping neoliberal health reforms in Latin America from the 1980s onward. Through the use of quantitative regional data together with interview and archival data collected during fieldwork in Argentina, Costa Rica, Peru, and Washington DC, this book argues that the answer to this puzzle is twofold. First, the World Bank has not promoted a uniformly neoliberal, monolithic agenda in health. Second, countries' autonomy and capacity in this sector shape how the World Bank is involved in reforms. Finally, the book distinguishes neoliberal ends from means in health sector reform and traces changes in "banking on health" over time.
Contents
1. Introduction: Globalization, Development, and Health.- 2. The State of Health in Latin America: Trends and Determinants of Health Expenditures.- 3. Argentina: Mixed Outcomes While Coping with Crisis in a Planner State.- 4. Peru: Slow, Steady Health Reform in a Weak State.- 5. Costa Rica: The Challenges of Maintaining Universalism in a Strong State.- 6. Neoliberalism and the World Bank's Changing Approach to Health.- 7. Conclusion: ¿Más Mercado, Menos Estado? The World Bank, Neoliberalism, and Health Sector Reform in Latin America.
