ZAGREB, Jan 26 (Hina) - The Croatian parliament's House of Counties on Tuesday discussed a report on the situation in the health care system between 1995 and 1998. Last year, the Croatian health care system's debt exceeded US$475
million. Health Minister Zeljko Rainer said the settling of the debt had begun, but pointed out that financing remained the key problem of Croatia's health care. It was necessary to change health financing, he said. A new financing system would envisage financing prevention, health care for the elderly and children from the state budget, organising additional health insurance on national level, higher care of local self-government and government units for county hospitals, and introducing the categorisation of hospitals. During discussion, the Upper House representatives endorsed the necessity of changes in the health care system, especially of settling the current debt. Most
ZAGREB, Jan 26 (Hina) - The Croatian parliament's House of Counties
on Tuesday discussed a report on the situation in the health care
system between 1995 and 1998.
Last year, the Croatian health care system's debt exceeded US$475
million.
Health Minister Zeljko Rainer said the settling of the debt had
begun, but pointed out that financing remained the key problem of
Croatia's health care.
It was necessary to change health financing, he said.
A new financing system would envisage financing prevention, health
care for the elderly and children from the state budget, organising
additional health insurance on national level, higher care of local
self-government and government units for county hospitals, and
introducing the categorisation of hospitals.
During discussion, the Upper House representatives endorsed the
necessity of changes in the health care system, especially of
settling the current debt.
Most agreed the causes for the current situation were, among else,
in the difficult situation of Croatia's economy and in the non-
payment of contributions.
The representatives also pointed to the necessity of further
rationalisation in health care.
(hina) ha mm