Equity and the distribution of UK National Health Service resources

Abstract

This paper examines the extent to which the British NHS allocates health care according to need. The results, based on 1985 data, show that within morbidity groups the poor receive, on average, more health care than the rich. This does not necessarily indicate pro-poor inequity. There is some evidence of a positive relationship between income and health within any morbidity category. The results contradict those of an earlier study which found bias favouring the middle classes. It is argued that the methodology adopted in the present study is more appropriate for the examination of allocation according to need.