Health Economics and Health Financing (HEHF)

The course provides a short introduction to key concepts of health economics, such as public goods, externalities and supply and demand, as applied to health and the health sector. Based on the WHO health system performance framework, the course then discusses health financing – its functions, financing systems, payment mechanisms, Overseas Development Assistance, the effect of health system organisation on financing, measuring performance, digitisation in health financing and how financing relates to other building blocks of a health system. These factors are used to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of a country’s level and structure of health financing.

Most health systems are characterised by a mix of public and private financing and delivery of care. For a health system to perform well – i.e., to provide needed, good-quality health services to all who need them – public and private financing agents need to generate an appropriate amount of revenue; pool risks; create appropriate  incentives for quality service provision from all providers; and allocate resources to the most effective, efficient, and equitable interventions and services irrespective of the sector. These functions should be managed efficiently, minimising administrative costs.

The course will expose and discuss these aspects so that participants can critically discuss and share views on health financing and payment reforms at local, national and global level. Health financing will be further discussed in the context of achieving “Universal Health Coverage” and Sustainable Development Goal 3.
 

The Health Economics and Health Financing course is one of our Management Courses that can be taken as stand-alone courses or combined to achieve the MBA in International Health Management.

The course consists of 3 phases combining blended and hybrid learning formats, offering the benefits of both self-paced learning and synchronous real-time interaction.

Phase 1: Preparation

During the preparation phase, participants familiarise themselves with the course topic by studying materials and completing assignments under the guidance of the facilitators.

→ Self-paced distance learning and an introductory online session

→ 4 weeks part-time

→ Approx. 40 hours of student investment

Phase 2: Hybrid Core Week

During the core week, participants engage in five days of intensive discussions, reflection exercises, case studies, group work, quizzes and presentations, either on-site at the Swiss TPH headquarters in Allschwil, Switzerland, or online. Active participation (online or on-site) is expected throughout the week. 

→ On-site in Allschwil or online

→ 5 days full-time

→ Approx. 40-45 hours of student investment

Typically, there are two core weeks with two courses back-to-back to allow participants from abroad to attend two courses on one flight.

Phase 3: Final Assignment

In the post phase, participants consolidate their learning through the development of a final assignment, such as essays, project outlines, presentations or online quizzes, supported by the course facilitators.

→ Distance-based and mostly self-paced

→ 6 weeks part-time

→ Approx. 95-100 hours of student investment

Students acquire insight into basic principles of health economics as well as an understanding of health financing modalities so as to critically discuss, exchange and share views on health financing and payment reforms at local, national and global level.
 

Participants are assessed during both, the distance-based and on-campus phases of the courses, through individual and team assignments, professional presentations, quizzes or short tests, reflective papers and proposed projects.
 

The course is designed for both established and emerging leaders in global and public health. It is ideal for professionals who already work in the health sector and aspire to take on leadership and management roles, as well as for those from other fields who seek to transition into health management.

A distinctive feature of our management courses is the diverse student body. Our students come from a wide range of sectors, including UN agencies, pharmaceutical companies, international organizations, ministries of health, hospitals, and NGOs. This diversity fosters an interdisciplinary and global perspective that is central to the programme’s learning environment.
 

To enrol, you need a bachelor's degree and at least two years' relevant work experience, as well as a passion for global and public health. As all management courses are taught in English, strong oral and written English skills are also required.

To process your application for our Health Economics and Health Financing course, you must both complete the online application form and pay an application fee of CHF 100 (by credit card) via this link. The application fee is non-refundable and will be deducted from the course fee.

In order to attend the course, the fee must be paid before the course starts.

Course fee: CHF 3,450 (incl. application fee)
Reduced course fee for MBA IHM students*: CHF 2,950

* The same fee applies to tropEd students and students enrolled in an SSPH+ professional postgraduate Master's or PhD programme.

Course fees must be paid one week before the start of the preparation phase. Tuition fees do not cover insurance, travel or personal living expenses incurred during your stay in Basel.

Please note that cancellations for any reason after the start of the preparation phase (Phase 1) are subject to a cancellation fee of CHF 500. Cancellations received less than two days prior to the start of the core week (Phase 2) will be charged the full course fee.

Swiss TPH and the University of Basel do not offer scholarships for management courses.

Disclaimer: In the event of an insufficient number of participants, the course may be cancelled up to 4 weeks prior to the start of the course. Swiss TPH is not responsible for any costs related to flight bookings, etc.