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By this author: Staines, Verdon S.

Author: Staines, Verdon S.

Source: A Health Sector Strategy for the Europe and Central Asia Region, September 1999 , pp. 1-86(86)

Publisher: World Bank

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Abstract:

This study focuses on a health sector strategy for countries in Europe and Central Asia (ECA), and examines the health systems in transition countries, and their changing responses to fundamental and unprecedented challenges. The report suggests how ECA transition countries may best achieve the concept of transforming their health sectors, and reflects on the Bank ' s assistance, thus far, in health policies and program related issues. Drawing on lessons learned, the study proposes a strategy for future lending in the sector, and, analyzes key issues for healthy populations, and/or, the factors affecting it, focusing on current characteristics, such as universal access to care, with broad coverage, and no financial barriers. However, these characteristics are not sustainable without sectoral and fiscal reforms. The study offers pragmatic responses, namely, to include: a) systemic sub-sectoral reforms, consistent with a long-term reform vision; b) compilation of options for sub-sectoral reforms, noting the main characteristics and pre-requisites for reform, and, the required legislative and regulatory framework; c) international support, to be largely entrusted to professional groups/institutions in the health sector.

Keywords: Europe and Central Asia; Health policy; Health services research; Health indicators; Transition economies; Social indicators; Healthcare services; Reform policy; Regulatory framework; Legislation; Strategic management; Health insurance; Fiscal reforms; Nongovernmental organizatios; Eastern Europe; Central Europe; Central Asia