ABSTRACT
The obvious possibilities are user charges, community-financing and compulsory health insurance. Consideration needs to be given to whether there should be maximum charges payable for the health care of injured persons. The ministry of health and the insurers might negotiate an annual lump sum payment rather than incur the considerable administrative costs which would fall on both parties if each case were billed separately. The level of charges depends partly on what alternative means there are for finding extra money for the health sector, and partly on how far the health services have become depleted. The administrative costs of operating a charging system should not be underestimated. In some small health units they can be larger than the revenue likely to be collected. Introducing charges at government health services creates an incentive for communities to organise informal prepayment schemes, under which those who pay contributions become once again entitled to free health care.
