Can Earmarking Mobilize and Sustain Resources to the Health Sector?

Bulletin of the World Health Organization, Vol. 86, No. 11, November 2008

4 Pages Posted: 25 Jan 2009

See all articles by Phusit Prakongsai

Phusit Prakongsai

International Health Policy Program (IHPP) - Thailand; International Health Policy Program (IHPP)

Walaiporn Patcharanarumol

London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

Viroj Tangcharoensathien

International Health Policy Program, Bureau of Policy and Strategy, Ministry of Public Health

Date Written: January 5, 2009

Abstract

This paper aims to review whether earmarking can mobilize and sustain resources for the health sector. It starts from reviewing the impact of Global Health Initiatives to health care systems of developing countries, experiences in using specific tax on goods and services such as sin taxes from tobacco and alcohol, and additional levy on airline tickets. Then, pros and cons of earmarking are summarized. Finally, this paper concludes that earmarked taxes on harmful products have high potential in mobilizing and sustaining resources to health, although they require strong political leadership and social consensus. Amounts generated, even if they are small, can play catalytic roles towards active health promotion. No matter what the sources, efficient and transparent governance is required to manage these funds towards the country's public health goals.

Keywords: earmarking, health financing, global health initiatives, sin tax

JEL Classification: I18

Suggested Citation

Prakongsai, Phusit and Prakongsai, Phusit and Patcharanarumol, Walaiporn and Tangcharoensathien, Viroj, Can Earmarking Mobilize and Sustain Resources to the Health Sector? (January 5, 2009). Bulletin of the World Health Organization, Vol. 86, No. 11, November 2008, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1323340

Phusit Prakongsai (Contact Author)

International Health Policy Program (IHPP) - Thailand ( email )

3rd Floor Health, Tiwanon road
Muang district
Nonthaburi, Nonthaburi province 11000
Thailand
+66 2 59052366 (Phone)
+66 2 5902385 (Fax)

International Health Policy Program (IHPP) ( email )

3rd Floor Health, Tiwanon road
Muang district
Nonthaburi, Nonthaburi province 11000
Thailand
+66 2 59052366 (Phone)
+66 2 5902385 (Fax)

Walaiporn Patcharanarumol

London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine ( email )

Keppel Street
London, WC1E 7HT
United Kingdom

Viroj Tangcharoensathien

International Health Policy Program, Bureau of Policy and Strategy, Ministry of Public Health ( email )

3rd Floor Health, Tiwanon road
Muang district
Nonthaburi 11000
Thailand

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