The Failures of Privatization: A Comparative Investigation of Tuberculosis Rates and the Structure of Healthcare in Less-Developed Nations, 1995-2010

Tuberculosis remains a persistent global health problem and key threat to development in poor countries. While many nations pursue privatization of healthcare, some accounts suggest that private health services are inadequate in addressing the TB burden. We utilize panel regression to empirically investigate data from 99 less-developed nations from 1995 to 2010. The results illustrate private health expenditures do not significantly impact TB rates, while public health expenditures reduce TB rates in developing nations over time. Thus, we caution against international development strategies which promote cuts in public spending and encourage privatization of healthcare as a means to stimulate growth or efficiency.