Every system of rationing is based on the concept of
need. Rationing attempts to meet essential health care
needs of all citizens. But how are “needs” defined? Is any
benefit a need? How about benefits which restore normal functioning? Could “need” be correlated with “significant” health benefit? Even if the concept of need is
reduced to basic or essential or minimum need, it remains
difficult both to define and to meet. What is meant by terms like “basic” or “adequat" or “essential” or “mini-
mum” need in health care?