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This publication argues that the United States spends too much on healthcare without gaining an adequate return on investment, while lagging behind other developed nations in terms of health outcomes. The article discusses the need to recalibrate healthcare spending and refocus on public health. The Institute of Medicine’s report, For the Public’s Health: Investing in a Healthier Future, recommends doubling the federal commitment supporting governmental public health from $12 billion to $24 billion, developing a consensus minimum package of public health programs and services, and creating foundational capacities to support these programs. The publication suggests that a paradigmatic shift is needed to build a health system on the platform of a strong, high-performing public health infrastructure capable of tackling contemporary health challenges, with flexibility to support effectiveness and innovation.

https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/full/10.2105/AJPH.2013.301274