Abstract:

This paper presents results of analytical evaluations related to the quality of national healthcare service (system effectiveness and efficiency of healthcare services) offered in selected EU Member States, with special focus on countries of the former communist bloc. The most fundamental problem in determining the ‘satisfactory level of healthcare services’ and the requirements of the strategic decision-making process within the analysed sector is the specific impact of the system’s environment. In addition, the problem’s complexity is further enhanced by the scarcity of budget support for the operation of healthcare institutions, evident particularly in the post-communist states. In effect, the effectiveness of national healthcare systems will be strongly influenced by the quality of solutions offered by the respective governments, particularly by their accord with the principles of economic effectiveness, operational efficiency, and social justice [Fukuyama 2005].