Healthcare as an industry
What the chapter is about
This introductory chapter to this section about the healthcare industry introduces the idea of healthcare as an industry. It discusses the size and importance of healthcare as a key global business sector. It looks in more detail at service providers, manufacturers of drugs, medical devices and digital systems, and the businesses providing insurance services. It goes on to discuss ethical and sustainability issues arising from healthcare operating as a business.
Listen to an AI-generated discussion about the contents of the chapter
The case studies from this chapter are from:
- China
- India
- Portugal
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