In 2005, the Reserve Bank of India incentivized the opening of new bank branches in underserved districts throughout the country. Banks stimulated local economic activity, offered banking services – including health insurance – to households, and provided credit to hospitals, while healthcare demand and supply increased, and households showed improved health outcomes.
LONDON – At least half of the global population lacks access to essential health services, and health-care expenses push almost 100 million people into extreme poverty each year. How scarce resources are distributed should matter, and there are good reasons to believe that finance could play a crucial role in addressing this challenge. More than 60 countries have launched national financial-inclusion strategies, and academic research is keen on understanding their impact.
LONDON – At least half of the global population lacks access to essential health services, and health-care expenses push almost 100 million people into extreme poverty each year. How scarce resources are distributed should matter, and there are good reasons to believe that finance could play a crucial role in addressing this challenge. More than 60 countries have launched national financial-inclusion strategies, and academic research is keen on understanding their impact.