This paper attempts to explain how chronic noncommunicable diseases affect the functioning of the economic system and how the working of the economy in turn influences the incidence of CNCDs in particular countries. Suggestions are then given regarding the alignment of economic and health policies to support the prevention and management imperatives presented by the CNCDs.

The step-down accounting methodology is employed to estimate and compare cost components of selected services at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital in St Vincent and the Grenadines. The levels of subsidization for inpatient services remain relatively high. Ancillary services had lower levels of subsidization and laboratory services are not subsidized.