Become a future proof Health Policy Analyst

What is this track?
Meet the case of sophie and alex

Sophia and Alex are both health economists at a national health agency. The government is grappling with rising healthcare costs and increasing disparities in access to care across the country. In response, a new policy proposal has emerged that aims to cap the prices of essential medications. However, there are concerns about the potential impact this policy might have on pharmaceutical innovation and the availability of drugs.

Sophia has been tasked with evaluating the economic implications of the policy. She focuses on building models to assess how price caps might influence healthcare spending and the overall efficiency of the healthcare system. Her analysis will help determine whether the policy can achieve its goals without unintended negative consequences.

Meanwhile, Alex is responsible for examining the potential public health outcomes of the policy. He must analyze data to predict how the policy will affect access to medications, especially for vulnerable populations. Alex is also considering the broader societal impacts, such as how this policy might influence health equity and long-term public health trends.
Both Sophia and Alex face the challenge of balancing the need to control healthcare costs with the imperative to ensure that innovation and drug availability are not compromised. Their findings will be crucial in advising policymakers on whether to proceed with the proposed policy or to explore alternative solutions.

Considerations:

• How can Sophia and Alex collaborate to ensure that their analyses are comprehensive and address both economic and public health outcomes?
• What data should they prioritize to provide a well-rounded evaluation of the policy’s potential impacts?
• How can they ensure that their recommendations will lead to equitable outcomes across different segments of the population?
• What strategies can they use to effectively communicate their findings to policymakers, stakeholders, and the public?

CAN YOU HELP?

As a professional in health economics and policy, you will encounter complex challenges like those faced by Sophia and Alex. How would you use quantitative methods to evaluate the multifaceted impacts of health policies? How would you collaborate with colleagues to balance economic considerations with the need to improve public health outcomes? What approaches would you take to ensure that your policy recommendations are both effective and equitable?
This track equips you with the critical tools and knowledge needed to navigate and influence the complex world of healthcare policy. If you’re passionate about driving improvements in health systems and making a meaningful impact on public health, this program is your gateway to success!

Enjoy the best of Oslo and Bologna

This track is a partnership between the University of Bologna (1st & 3rd semester) and the University of Oslo (2nd semester). The department of economics of the University of Bologna is the top public department of economics in Italy. You will learn from the best scholars working on health economics, while the Department of Health Management & Health Economics the Univeristy of Oslo is strong multi-disciplinary research community which includes economists, political scientists, and physicians. You will enjoy top academic education in two fantastic, and very diverse European cities. Both with dynamic healthcare sectors and high-quality living standards. Plus it is always fun to be back at a place where you have already studied (Bologna).

Check out the other tracks