One of the key advantages of CBA in healthcare is its ability to provide a comprehensive view of the economic impact of different interventions. For instance, a CBA might compare the costs of implementing a vaccination program versus the benefits of reduced disease incidence and associated healthcare costs. This can help policymakers prioritize interventions based on their economic viability. However, challenges arise when attempting to assign monetary values to intangible benefits, such as improved quality of life or reduced pain and suffering. Techniques like willingness-to-pay or quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) are often used to address these challenges, though they can be subject to ethical and methodological debates.

In practice, CBA in healthcare is not only about financial calculations but also involves ethical considerations. For example, policymakers must balance the economic efficiency of an intervention with its potential to improve health equity and access to care. Additionally, CBA can be used to evaluate the long-term impacts of health policies, such as preventive measures that may yield significant benefits over time but require substantial upfront investment. By integrating these considerations into the analysis, healthcare systems can make more informed decisions that align with broader societal values and priorities.

Overall, while CBA has its limitations, it remains a powerful tool for evaluating the economic implications of healthcare interventions and guiding resource allocation decisions in the health sector.