Education and health services as merit goods: Positive externalities (external benefits) of health

Education and health services are two of the most important merit goods in society. Merit goods are goods and services that are deemed to have positive externalities (external benefits) for society in terms of health, wellbeing, productivity, and social cohesion. The benefits of education and health services may include improved educational outcomes and economic performance, improved life expectancy and quality of life, and reduced health care costs. In terms of health, high-quality education and health services can lead to improved individual health outcomes. Education can lead to increased health knowledge and awareness, as well as improved behaviors such as changes in diet and exercise. Education can also encourage healthier lifestyles by providing access to health services, such as preventative care. Health services, on the other hand, can improve access to medical care, diagnosis, and treatments, as well as promote healthy behaviors. The external benefits of education and health services extend beyond just individual health outcomes. Improved educational attainment and health services can lead to better economic performance, as a healthier and more educated population is more likely to contribute to economic growth. Similarly, improvements in health can lead to greater productivity and economic growth. Finally, greater access to health services can lead to a more socially cohesive society, as individuals with better access to health care tend to have better health outcomes.