Health Expenditures in BRICS Countries: Investigating the Role of Environmental Degradation, Demographic Growth and Forest Reserves

Abstract

This study analyzes the effect of forest reserves, environmental degradation and demographic growth on health expenditures in BRICS economies using a panel dataset from 2000 to 2018. The study employed CIPS, CADF test, cross-sectional dependence test and FGLS model to estimate the outcomes. The outcomes reveal that CO₂ emissions, GDP, and population growth are positively and significantly linked with health expenditures. In contrast, forest reserves are negatively and significantly associated with health expenditures in the BRICS region, suggesting that environmental conservation can reduce the economic burden on healthcare by reducing pollution and improving overall well-being. These results emphasize the relevance of incorporating environmental protection and population management as health policy planning initiatives. Policymakers in BRICS economies are encouraged to adopt comprehensive strategies to advocate for ecological sustainability in conjunction with socioeconomic growth to ensure long-term healthcare resilience