The Interaction of Increased Trade and the Decentralization of Health Care Delivery in Nepal: A Suggestion for Reform

Abstract

As levels of international trade and investment have increased, national economies that were once relatively isolated have become increasingly connected as participants in one global economy. This phenomenon is reflected in the growing number of bilateral and multilateral agreements, as well as the rising membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO) - a global multilateral organization which has facilitated the trend toward greater trade in goods and services. The continuing increase in WTO membership suggests that member states have found their participation in the organization to be beneficial. However, the effect of WTO membership on domestic health issues has received relatively little attention. This may be in part because there is little evidence of direct links between the health of a nation and economic development. Yet the two are connected, albeit indirectly; this connection occurs primarily through the ability of good healthcare delivery to produce a productive workforce.