Decentralization in Latin America


Book Description

World Bank Discussion Paper No. 359. Oil and energy markets have experienced dramatic changes over the past two decades--steep price increases in the 1970s and 1980s followed by a decrease in 1986 and large declines in demand in the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. But despite considerable uncertainty about future developments in the world oil market, this paper finds that demand is set to rise in all main regions, particularly in developing countries, led by increasing incomes, population, industrialization, investment, and trade. This study examines the growth in demand for eight major oil products for 37 developing countries over the 1971-93 period, analyzing the relationships and changes over time for income, population, and demand for energy and oil products for each country. It also examines some of the important phenomena that affect oil demand and calculates income and price elasticities for each product in all countries.




The Design and Administration of Intergovernmental Transfers


Book Description

World Bank Discussion Paper 235. This paper evaluates Latin America's experience in the transfer of certain responsibilities from the national to the subnational levels of government. The experience of countries that have already decentralized the




Rethinking Decentralization in Developing Countries


Book Description

In an effort to reduce poverty and improve nutrition, this Bank operation assisted the Indian program Operation Flood to develop the dairy industry in India. This study examines the policy changes instituted to support the aid flow to the dairy sector and discusses the lessons learned and benefits realized through improved dairy production. It also presents suggestions for improvement. This program differs from other Bank efforts in that it focuses on a single commodity to alleviate poverty and raise living standards.




Decentralization In Health Care: Strategies And Outcomes


Book Description

Exploring the capacity and impact of decentralization within European health care systems, this book examines both the theoretical underpinnings as well as practical experience with decentralization.




From Few to Many


Book Description

"From Few to Many is the first comprehensive look at Colombia's 1993 health system reforms. It describes the implementation of universal health insurance, including a subsidized system for the poor, and examines the impact of this and other reforms during a time when Colombia experienced crushing recession and internal conflict that displaced half a million people." "Prior to the reforms, a quarter of the Colombian population had health insurance. Subsidies failed to reach the poor, who were vulnerable to catastrophic financial consequences of illness. Yet by 2008, 85 percent of the population benefited from health insurance." "From Few to Many describes the challenges and benefits of implementing social health reforms in a developing country, exploring health care financing, institutional reform, the effects of political will on health care, and more. The reforms have provided important lessons not only for continued reform in Colombia, but also for other nations facing similar challenges." --Book Jacket.







Do Options Exist ?


Book Description

This timely volume brings together specialists on the reform of social security systems to analyze the similarities and differences of those health care and pension reforms that have taken place since the early 1990s and suggests possible gains through recent or contemplated revisions to those systems.




Colombia


Book Description

This paper examines the First Review Under the Stand-By Arrangement for Colombia. Under the authorities’ program, economic performance has been mostly favorable. Real economic growth appears to be recovering, led by a pickup in domestic demand that outweighed a decline in net exports. Inflation, however, has remained above the program target. Since late February, the currency has appreciated, responding partly to a sharp decline in the country risk premium. The program is on track and the authorities have reiterated their full commitment to achieving the main elements of the program’s macroeconomic framework.