Abstract
In this paper an attempt is made to use the methodology of economics and operations research for determining the optimum allocation of resources among different methods of preventing or curing diseases. First, after comparing the different indices proposed to measure the output of health services, a very simple one is adopted: the number of deaths. The objective of health planning is assumed to be the minimization of the number of deaths. Next, the optimum distribution of resources between prevention and cure of one particular disease is studied in some detail, and a numerical example is presented. Finally, the generalization of this model to include several diseases, under both static and dynamic conditions, is considered.
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