Genetics and global health care.
OBJECTIVE
To examine an alternative model for funding genetic health care, on a global basis.


METHODS
Internet-based national data on gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, health care funding, and public and private elements of health care costs.


RESULTS
Wide variation in GDP per capita and in the proportion available for health care funding. Insufficient funds are available in developing countries.


CONCLUSIONS
Health care provision for people with genetic disorders is unlikely to be fully funded unless a different approach to management costs is undertaken. Rare genetic disorders could be funded by an insurance model which may be more equitable and which could be developed to cover the total global health care costs of the genetic disorder.
Raeburn
S
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Genetic Unit, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, POB 35, Muscat 123, Sultanate of Oman. raeburn@squ.edu.om
D002202:Capital Financing; D005380:Financing, Government; D030342:Genetic Diseases, Inborn / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000191:economics / Q000628:therapy; D005826:Genetics, Medical / Q000191:economics*; D014943:Global Health; D017048:Health Care Costs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005102:Health Expenditures / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D017149:Private Sector; D017150:Public Sector