Universal Health Coverage and Equity in Macedonia: A Report

Desklib provides past papers and solved assignments for students. This report analyzes the Macedonian healthcare system.

Universal Health
Coverage and
Equity for
Macedonia

Basic Healthcare Sector Introduction
▪ In Macedonia, there are 2.875 physicians per 1000 people, whereas in Australia, it is
2.5 per 1000 (as per WHO report).
▪ Due to low wages offered by the government, physicians in the private sectors are
more than those in public sector.
▪ In 2016, the % share of GDP given to healthcare sector was 6.34%, whereas in
Australia it is 9.35%
▪ In both countries, the federal government and regional government are obligated to
provide funds for providing health services.
▪ Currently, the healthcare sector is transforming continuously due to rapidly changing
society and technology. For instance, cloud computing and AI-based treatment is
provided to some patients.

Public Health System of Macedonia Overview
▪ Macedonian government is pretty much focused on providing healthcare services.
▪ Average life expectancy at birth from 71.1 years in 1990 to 75.70 years in 2016. However, it is lower the EU
average of 80.2 years.
▪ In comparison to Australia which has life expectancy of 82.50 years, the gap between the countries is
substantial.
▪ The average spending on health care in Macedonia in 2018 was $350. 8, whereas in Australia it is $4708.
▪ The Macedonian healthcare sector does not suffer from any serious workforce shortage, whereas in Australia,
the shortage might increase up to 100,000 in 2025.
▪ However, in Macedonia, workforce usually migrate in and out, thereby keeping a right balance in the
workforce.
▪ Any kind of shortage in healthcare services can be tackled by creating more opportunities in the sector and
subsidising the education of scholars.

Cost-Benefit Analysis and Cost-Effectiveness
Analysis
▪ It is systematic approach to
estimate the strengths and
weaknesses of an alternative.
▪ The analyst adds all the benefits of
an alternative and then subtracts the
costs associated with that
alternatives.
▪ The outcome will help in
determining whether the alternative
is financially feasible or if the
business should pursue another
alternative.
▪ Cost-effectiveness analysis assists
in determining neglected benefits
by outlining interventions that are
relatively cheaper, yet can reduce
the financial burden.
▪ It helps in determining ways to
reallocate resources to achieve
more.
▪ It demonstrates utility of allocating
resources from less to more cost-
effective interventions.

Potential Health System Reform for Macedonia
▪ Health insurance coverage can be an effective reform in facilitating the health care services.
▪ Insurance coverage should be provided to everyone regardless of employment status, income
level, or geographic location.
▪ Healthcare reform may comprise changes in administration, financing, benefits, and delivery
system.
▪ Children are uninsured in low income level families due to their inability to fund insurance.
Providing subsidies to them can be a major reform in the healthcare sector in Macedonia

References
▪ Physicians (per 1,000 people) | Data. (2019). Retrieved from https://
data.worldbank.org/indicator/sh.med.phys.zs
▪ Berwick, D. M., & Hackbarth, A. D. (2012). Eliminating waste in US health
care. Jama, 307(14), 1513-1516.
▪ Borger, C., Smith, S., Truffer, C., Keehan, S., Sisko, A., Poisal, J., & Clemens, M.
K. (2016). Health spending projections through 2015: changes on the
horizon. Health Affairs, 25(2), w61-w73.
▪ Jacobs, L., & Skocpol, T. (2015). Health care reform and American politics: What
everyone needs to know. Oxford University Press.