State Capacity and Health Outcomes: An Empirical Analysis

Health is the main ingredient of human capital and well-being. Although from last 50 years noteworthy progress has been observed in health indicators, yet the marginalized groups could not get enough health benefits till the end of Millennium Development Goals and still health improvement goal has third priority in Sustainable Development Goals. Health is the main driving force of economic growth and development. What causes better health outcomes? The literature has identified many socioeconomic factors that improve population health. However, the extant literature has paid little attention to the role of political factors in explaining health outcomes. Providing better health is core function of state. Now the question is how much state capable for providing better social and economic outcomes depends on its capacity.