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Health system reform in former socialist countries of europe
Author(s) -
Ensor Tim
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
the international journal of health planning and management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.672
H-Index - 41
eISSN - 1099-1751
pISSN - 0749-6753
DOI - 10.1002/hpm.4740080303
Subject(s) - restructuring , entitlement (fair division) , payroll , quality (philosophy) , business , process (computing) , developing country , developed country , economics , economic growth , economic policy , development economics , finance , medicine , population , philosophy , accounting , mathematical economics , epistemology , environmental health , computer science , operating system
The health systems of all the former socialist countries of Europe are in the midst of far‐reaching reform. The process is still in the early stages but certain patterns of finance and provision are beginning to emerge in a number of countries. All are implementing payroll‐based social insurance while some are beginning to restrict entitlement to those contributing. There is a danger the process of restructuring will leave many without adequate insurance cover. Market solutions are being introduced in many countries to improve the efficiency of provision. Assuming the administrative cost is not too great, this may improve choice and quality of personal care. It is, however, unclear how far these solutions will tackle the fundamental public health problems endemic in these countries today. Those countries that have been slower to implement reform may benefit from learning from the successes and failures of the pioneers.