Optimal health care strategy in coal mines - An economic analysis

Workers in coal mines face significant risks of being affected by occupational diseases. In this paper, these risks are estimated using odd-ratios. The nature of disease profile is also analysed. This calls for the introduction of health care policies. Determination of such a policy involves choices - between stages of intervention and nature of approach (population and selection). Choosing the appropriate mixture of these components involve an understanding of the factors associated with risks faced by the work force. Using a TOBIT model these factors have been identified and used to suggest an appropriate health care policy. However, the level of health care provided by the management will be lower than the socially optimal level. Hence private measures must be supplemented by appropriate State intervention in the socio-economic sphere.