Factors affecting health expenditures: the case of MINT countries

Aims: Per capita income, carbon dioxide emissions and urbanization are factors that have significant effects on health expenditures, and the interaction between these variables shapes the level of health and access to services in societies. The objective of this study is to analyse the impact of economic growth, air pollution and urbanisation on health expenditures in MINT (Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria and Turkiye) countries. Methods: The environmental factors affecting health expenditures are investigated with DHausman and LM Bootstrap cointegration tests among panel data analysis methods. After determining that the series are cointegrated, the coefficients of the variables are investigated with the help of AMG and CCEMG coefficient tests. Results: According to the cointegration test results, it is proved that there is a long-run relationship between the series. With reference to results of AMG and CCEMG coefficient estimation, the coefficient of carbon dioxide emission variable is statistically significant at 1% significance level, while the effects of other variables on health expenditures are not statistically significant. However, a 1% increase in carbon dioxide emissions in the MINT country group increases health expenditures (per capita) by 0.20-0.25%. Conclusion: The MINT country groupshould implement policies to prevent air pollution in order to reduce the increasing effect of CO2 emissions on health expenditures. JEL classification: E10, H10, O44.