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HEALTH FINANCING: A NEW ROLE FOR MICROFINANCE INSTITUTIONS?
Author(s) -
Leatherman Sheila,
Geissler Kimberley,
Gray Bobbi,
Gash Megan
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
journal of international development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.533
H-Index - 66
eISSN - 1099-1328
pISSN - 0954-1748
DOI - 10.1002/jid.2829
Subject(s) - microfinance , productivity , business , finance , value (mathematics) , developing country , economics , economic growth , machine learning , computer science
Abstract An innovative and scalable approach, individual or small group health financing by microfinance institutions can expand existing options for the poor. We examined productivity losses, direct health costs and health financing methods among microfinance clients in Bolivia, Benin and Burkina Faso. Health costs and lost productivity for households were substantial. Microfinance institutions offer advantages in developing health financing options: global reach, expertise in loans and savings and their mission to facilitate household financial stability. Health financing products, including savings and loans, hold considerable potential to benefit clients but require careful design to optimise value and minimise risk. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.