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The Health Sector in the Slovak Republic: Efficiency and Reform
Author:
Ms. Victoria Gunnarsson
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,
Sergio Lugaresinull

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Marijn Verhoevennull

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Series:
IMF Working Papers
Volume/Issue:
Volume 2007: Issue 226
Language:
English
Publication Date:
01 Sep 2007
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5089/9781451867909.001
ISBN:
9781451867909
ISSN:
1018-5941
Pages:
25
Keywords:
WP; Slovakia; government
Legal-disclaimer:
IMF Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to encourage debate. The views expressed in IMF Working Papers are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF, its Executive Board, or IMF management.
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The paper assesses the financial situation of the health sector in the Slovak Republic. It also evaluates the efficiency of health expenditures and service delivery in comparison to the OECD and other new EU member states and suggests avenues for cost recovery and reform. The health sector of the Slovak Republic is plagued by financial problems. To turn around health system finances and achieve larger gains in health outcomes, the efficiency of health spending needs to increase and the mix and quality of real health resources need to be improved. Although Slovak's overall health spending efficiency is on par with that of the OECD, substantial inefficiencies occur in the process of transforming intermediate health inputs into health outcomes. Efficiency may be enhanced by containing the cost of drugs and reducing reliance on hospital care. Also, although cost-effectiveness may be relatively high at present, its sustainability in the future is an issue.
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Cover IMF Working Papers
IMF Working Papers
ISSN:
1018-5941
Publisher:
International Monetary Fund
Volume 2007: Issue 226