As stated elsewhere in this issue, we cannot claim to explain an institution’s origin just by the functions it serves. In part this may be because of the cognitive limitations of those actors who are instrumental in institutional formation and institutional change. But even more clearly, it is the case that rational instrumental choice does not imply functional institutions. Just as rational ch...

background health is a basic human right necessary for the exercise of other human rights. every human being is, therefore, entitled to the highest possible standard of health necessary to living a life of dignity. establishment of patients’ charter is a step towards protecting the rights and responsibilities of patients, but violation of patients’ rights is common in healthcare institutions, e...

BACKGROUND Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a promising strategy for HIV prevention among men who have sex with men (MSM) and men who engage in sex work. But access will require routine HIV testing and contacts with healthcare providers. This study investigated men's healthcare and HIV testing experiences to inform PrEP implementation. METHODS We conducted 8 focus groups (n = 38) in 2012 an...

Planned Human Resource Development is critical to educating a skilled and efficient workforce. The present study aimed at identifying the main factors of planned human resource development in Iranian Social Security Organization Hospitals. The study is done through analysis of a questionnaire designed after identification of the main variables. Iran Social Security Organisation hospitals (the m...

This paper discusses whether European institutions should devote so much attention and funding to cross-border healthcare or they should instead prioritise guaranteeing universal health coverage (UHC), inequalities and tackling the effects of austerity measures. The paper argues through providing the evidence in both areas of research, that the priority at European level from a public health an...

This study on prisoners' diseases and food conditions in the early days of operation of the Casa de Prisão com Trabalho (labor penitentiary) in Salvador, Bahia, analyzes prisoner strategies for obtaining medical treatment and decent food. In their resistance and struggle to achieve more breathing room within the new prison model, which authorities hoped to implement at Bahia's first penitentiar...