In order to control ever-increasing health care expenditure, Western and Asian countries are seeking to develop more efficient health care models. The papers in this book present quantitative research on various aspects of health care reform and health policy in Asia-Pacific countries such as China, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and in the US - nations diverse in their economic development, social demographic structure and health care expenditures. The main topic for discussion in this book is the role of both government and health insurers in funding healthcare. The implementation of...

This work examines the problem of global warming from the perspective of Asian-Pacific countries. The unprecedented economic and demographic growth since the 1980s has increased the importance of the Asian-Pacific region. It has become both a very large source of greenhouse gases as well as an important site to measure climate change impacts. international input-output models and engineering-economic models are used to assess the baseline emission levels and abatement costs for the economies examined. All outcomes suggest that abatement is possible, but will be expensive. The studies also...

This work provides fresh insights into the performance of key economies in the Asia Pacific region from the 1960s to the 1990s. It critically examines productivity growth, factor accumulation, and economic efficiency at both the macro and micro levels.

This volume questions whether the Asian crisis could have been avoided through the application of recommendations highlighted by the contributors. The conclusion reached is that in an abstract world, perhaps; but in the world in which we live, no. It is argued that the proposals made in this collection of papers could certainly contribute to improved policy, albeit effecting marginal improvements rather than ground breaking changes. The contributors demonstrate that proficient monetary policy and banking regulation can be acheived through sound economic analysis that takes into account:...

Currently developed countries pay much more attention to harmfully addictive substances than developing countries. However, the experience of developed countries is very relevant to the developing world since substance abuse is likely to impose a continually increasing burden of disease in this region in the near future.

Human Capital, Trade and Public Policy in Rapidly Growing Economies argues that only two centuries ago, no society had ever enjoyed sustained growth in living standards. The contributors to this book aim to discover why the world today exhibits a predilection for perpetual self-improvement. In particular, the book focuses on the forces underlying long-lasting growth in East Asia's newly industrialized countries (NICs).Drawing from the experiences of Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore and Taiwan, it questions whether public policy can contribute to removing barriers towards accumulation of...