The globalization of health care

This chapter discusses the globalization of health care. The first part of the chapter addresses the current situation of the global health order, emphasizing the changes that have occurred in the last half of the 20th century and that are now demanding regional or global responses. The second part reviews the globalization of health care. Trade in health services is addressed in its four basic forms: (1) export of services; (2) the international movement of health care consumers; (3) the international movement of health care providers; (4) and the establishment of facilities in other countries. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the role of the World Trade Organization in the field of health care.