Penna model estimate of improved medical care in the Philippines
Abstract
The average life expectancy at birth is one indicator of the overall health of a country. In a Penna model that accounts for enhancements in medical services and welfare, the effect of heritable diseases is diminished. Individuals may live longer with probability equal to the relative increase in health care. Choosing the 1950 data for the Philippine population as baseline, the 44% rise in average life span of Filipinos from then to 1995 may be attributed to a 20% improvement in medical care. The 2010 life expectancy estimate follows from a 6% increase in the quality of medical assistance during the last 15 years.
