The international community and the reconstruction of health care in South Eastern Europe

Abstract

Today, with the aid of the international community [European Union (EU), World Bank (WB), World Health Organisation (WHO), United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), nongovernmental organisations (NGOs), Global Fund (GF), Stability Pact, etc.] the ministries of health in transitional countries in the South Eastern Europe (SEE) region are in the process of expanding the capacities and skills of the health workforce in order to achieve successful health care reform and accomplish necessary steps for EU integration. The aim of this paper is to review international community support to reconstruction of the health care in SEE countries, with main focus on the EU and WB donors and projects. Review was done on the basis of existing donor reports, Internet search (search of official Web sites and electronic databases, check of references from selected documents, and use of a generic Internet search engine) and authors’ experience from different health projects. The governments of SEE countries, in order to create an effective and efficient health system, overcame a period of transition and soon or later became ready for the process of EU integration, and began working on the following issues: rehabilitation, reconstruction and equipping of health facilities; developing a health strategy and policy documents; legislation and financing framework; building institutional, human resource and management capacity; health care sector reform; support to public health development and restructuring of the pharmaceutical sector. In many SEE countries, the capacity of the Ministry of Health and Health Insurance Fund was strengthened, and policy and strategy documents were drafted to guide reorganisation and reorientation of health care services. The public health system was strengthened. A family medicine model was introduced and developed in most countries. Development of enabling legislation mostly followed proposed changes in the health system. Although progress on several important fronts in achieving transition and progress in the rehabilitation health sector in SEE countries is significant, a lot remains to be done. Experience in some countries can be used to stimulate, motivate and encourage professionals throughout the civil service to grasp with both hands the opportunities for positive change.