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Exploring the risks of fragmentation in health care markets – An analysis of inpatient care in Georgia

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  • Tvaliashvili, Mari
  • Sulaberidze, Lela
  • Goodman, Catherine
  • Hanson, Kara
  • Gotsadze, George

Abstract

Private providers play an important role in health systems in low-and middle-income countries. In many such contexts, markets are characterized by a high number of relatively small private facilities. The potential risks from highly concentrated healthcare markets are well-researched, and feature in the “Theories of Harm” investigated by competition regulators. However, there is limited evidence on markets that exhibit substantial harms as a result of very low concentration. This paper explores the risks associated with such market fragmentation, drawing on the example of Georgia, which has a largely privatized provider network.

Suggested Citation

  • Tvaliashvili, Mari & Sulaberidze, Lela & Goodman, Catherine & Hanson, Kara & Gotsadze, George, 2024. "Exploring the risks of fragmentation in health care markets – An analysis of inpatient care in Georgia," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 362(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:362:y:2024:i:c:s0277953624008827
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.117428
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