CHOOSING BETWEEN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HEALTH-CARE - A CASE-STUDY OF MALARIA TREATMENT IN BRAZIL

Individuals infected with malaria may be treated either in the public sector or in a private clinic. Private treatment is better, but expens ive. Using micro-level data from a colonization project in Brazil, we estimate the factors that determine an individual's choice between the two sectors. Private treatment is (strongly) price sensitive and (wea kly) wealth sensitive. Rural individuals are more likely to choose pri vate treatment, but long distances to the treatment source deter priva te treatment. Individuals belonging to small, literate households are more likely to choose private treatment. Gender, age, and number of pr evious infections are unimportant. Policy implications are discussed.