BACKGROUND Hypertension, stroke and coronary heart disease (CHD) are common diseases that impose a heavy burden on patients and their families, particularly on those living in poor areas. This study examined catastrophic medical payments faced by patients with these diseases and the effectiveness of the new rural cooperative medical system (NRCMS) at alleviating the impact of the said diseases ...

introduction agriculture still constitutes the backbone of the rural economy and is an engine of rural household income growth in developing countries. according to the evidence, agriculture sector has an important role also in rural economy in islamic republic of iran. thus, in order to promote rural economy, rural development programs and policies have been focused on agricultural investments...

Background Informal payments for health care, which are common in many countries, can have negative effects on health care access, equity and health status as they lead people to forgo or delay seeking care, or to sell assets to pay for care. Many countries are putting reforms in place with the aim of reducing informal payments. In order to be successful, such policies should be informed by the...

Unemployment and financial struggles affect big and small communities alike. The current economic climate, coupled with changes to the health care environment, presents a unique opportunity for health care providers and community leaders to collaborate, integrate and network. The benefits of health networks are and can be tremendous during times of economic hardships. It takes great effort to a...

INTRODUCTION Today, the provision of healthcare should be efficient and equitable to achieve the health system's goals. The aim of this study was to survey equality in healthcare expenditures and its effects on income redistribution. METHODS This study was a descriptive-analysis, cross-sectional study that was conducted with data obtained from the Statistical Center of Iran (SCI) during 2006 ...

infrastructure plays an important role in the process of economic development. access to such infrastructures as safe piped drinking water, educational and health services, electrification and efficient transport system enhance human welfare. the main objective of this study is to determine the contribution of the main types of infrastructure investments to reduction of poverty and more balance...