Analysis on the level of financing, structure and variation trend of total health expenditure from 1995 to 2011 in Xinjiang

Abstract

Objective To analyze the principal components and trends of total health expenditure from 1995 to 2011 in Xinjiang, in order to put forward policy recommendations to improve health financing. Methods Calculating the total health expenditure in Xinjiang using the financing source method, and analyzing the calculation results. Results Total health expenditure increase in Xinjiang averaged 14.75% from 1995 to 2011.The total health expenditure in Xinjiang and per capita health expenses maintained a growing trend, and the level of financing was higher than regional economic development, but the health consumption elasticity coefficient was unstable; Residents' individual health burden was gradually decreasing, the health expenses of financing structure were relatively reasonable; Urban and rural residents health care spending grew faster than the per capita income, and the proportion in people's living consumption was found rising. Conclusion It is recommended to continue with the health reform, make full use the policy of strategic health support to Xinjiang, promote primary health service equity, develop economy and improve the urban and rural income, strengthen social health care security systems, tighten macro-control and curb the fast rising trend of health expenses. Key words: Xinjiang; Total health expenditure; Health financing; Financing source method