This part provides theoretical background to the different types of PHS policies that can be implemented. It presents the different possibilities available to public authorities. For each aspect presented below, a comprehensive overview of policies’ respective advantages and drawbacks will be explained in terms of equity, quality of services and of employment, structuration of the market and budget constrained.

In the following chapters, analytical tools are presented with a view to guiding national authorities when it comes to selecting the right measure.

• The different type of intervention and the related measures
• Overview of the main PHS measures in 8 country cases
• The tools for price reduction mechanisms
• Policy pointers