Our Elgar Concise Introductions are inspiring and considered. They explain the key principles in business and are expertly written by some of the world's leading scholars. The aims of the series are two-fold: to pinpoint essential concepts and to offer insights that stimulate critical thinking. Health and welfare are often analysed separately. This book combines understanding about health and health systems with analysis of the pathways welfare states have to promote improvements in quality of life and reduce pressure on the health care sector. Investigates inequalities in health and healthcare and mechanisms for addressing these. Establishes the link between health and societal development, and how health is a direct corollary to productivity and economic growth Explores indicators for better health and how quality of life can be improved by welfare state intervention Discusses the challenges facing the healthcare industry, including an ageing population, an increase in non-communicable diseases such as heart disease and diabetes, and a shortage of workers. Assessing prevention and intervention strategies in conjunction with financing and management, this Concise Introduction is a fundamental resource for scholars and students of social policy, political science, and sociology.

It is also a beneficial read for practitioners and policymakers in healthcare due to its forward-looking insights.