Why Sex and Gender Matter in Healthcare Economics

Healthcare costs and outcomes can vary greatly between men and women. That's why it's crucial for economists to consider sex and gender when evaluating medical interventions. Current methods often miss these crucial differences, leading to unfair resource allocation. Women might face higher costs and different health results due to biases in treatment. For instance, estimating productivity losses and quality of life can be tricky and subject to gender biases. Real-world examples show how ignoring these factors can affect policy decisions and health equity. It's not just about efficiency but also fairness in healthcare. We need to update our approach to health economics to include these complexities. This isn't just about making sure resources are used wisely, but also ensuring everyone gets the care they need.