Health policies in transition economics

Abstract

Historical evidence indicates that economic transformation, even with access and growth, can translate into social insecurities and health problems. The issue here is not whether transition economics should continue their reform process or not, since this has been historically proven necessary for the development of a country. Rather, it is about what the government can do to alleviate health problems through the adoption and implementation of sound policies. Since the health of a nation is strongly dependent on social, economic, and political stability sound health policies have to go hand in hand with adequate economic policies and a set of measures to ensure a social safety net to protect the relatively deprived.

Better health for the population should be the ultimate goal of health policies. Reforming health services and finance is just a means towards that end.