Impact of sectoral economic performance and fiscal capacity on public health expenditure in South Africa

Ebenezer Toyin Megbowon ,Mulatu Fekadu Zerihun

doi:10.24294/jipd.v8i7.3946

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Impact of sectoral economic performance and fiscal capacity on public health expenditure in South Africa

Ebenezer Toyin Megbowon

Mulatu Fekadu Zerihun

Journal of Infrastructure Policy and Development 2024, 8(7), 3946; https://doi.org/10.24294/jipd.v8i7.3946

Submitted：02 Jan 2024

Accepted：06 Feb 2024

Published：23 Jul 2024

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Abstract

This study analyses the long-run relationship between, and the direction and magnitude of impact of sectoral economic growth and fiscal capacity on government health expenditure. The study was carried out to validates the Wagner hypothesis from sectoral perspective and revenue-expenditure hypothesis for South Africa for the period 1984–2020. Fully modified least squares and dynamic least squares and canonical cointegration regression were used to achieve the objectives of the study. Empirical regression results showed that there is a negative impact of the secondary sector GDP on public health expenditure. Thus, invalidating the Wagner hypothesis and suggesting that secondary sector GDP cannot serves as an answer for public health expenditure. However, there was a positive relationship between tertiary sector GDP and public health expenditure. The study make case for unceasing provision of an enabling environment that continuously support growth of the tertiary sector.

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References

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