Priorities in healthcare: a perspective form Spain

The aim of this paper is to describe the process of transformation over the past two decades in the Spanish healthcare system. The main emphasis is on priority setting and rationing at different levels. On the supply side, th e policies have focused on limiting the scope of pharmaceutical benefits in the system, and establishing a guaranteed healthcare package. On the consu mer side, the main measures reviewed are copayments. Finally, a discussion of the research that has been done on public opinion about rationing is pre sented. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.