Preface

The journey of writing this book began in the classroom, where students often asked: “Why should we study economics in health?” The answer became clear because every decision in healthcare, from building hospitals to introducing new medicines, involves choices about how to use limited resources.

This book, Intro to Health Economics: What Every Health Professional Should Know, was written to make health economics approachable, practical, and relevant to our local context. While global textbooks provide excellent foundations, there is a need for learning materials that connect theory with the realities of healthcare systems in Malaysia and the surrounding region.

The chapters are intentionally structured to start with the basics, then guide readers through methods of analysis, and finally show how these principles inform real-world policies. To keep learning active and engaging, interactive elements such as case discussions, reflective tasks, and H5P activities are included.

This book is not only for students but also for health professionals, managers, and policymakers who want to make better decisions in a resource-constrained world. It is my hope that readers will find it both a learning tool and a source of inspiration to apply economics in ways that improve equity, efficiency, and health outcomes for all.

I am grateful to my students, colleagues, and institution for their encouragement and feedback, which shaped this work. Most importantly, I dedicate this book to the learners who continue to challenge us to think critically and to find innovative solutions for today’s health challenges.