Management of economic and financial crisis in health care sector in Lithuania

The aim of the study is to evaluate the impact of the economic and financial crisis on the health care sector during 2008 and 2009 in Lithuania. Methods. Comparative analysis of the data from 2008 and 2009 were used in order to compare the changes of the indicators before and after financial economic crisis. Three types of possible impact were assessed: financial impact, quality of life impact indicators and political decisions impact. Facts and findings. In financial terms, health care budget in 2009 remained the same as in 2008. Cost-sharing and out-of-pocket payments have increased. Funding of health prevention and health promotion programs was increased, as well as for long term care. There was no major increase of unemployment rate in health care sector. Access to health care was not changed. The death rate was decreasing from the most courses of deaths. Avoidable deaths courses show positive tendency. Quality of life indicators were improving due to the alcohol policy and traumas prevention measures in the country. Political decisions on the reform of social and health insurance systems were taken by involving all persons in payment of separate health insurance contribution. Some political decisions concerning alcohol consumption, tobacco and accidents prevention were accepted. The plans of restructuring health care institutions and also improvement of the access to medicines and new price policy has been prepared and started. Reorganization of public health and institutions was performed.Conclusion. The impact of financial and economic crisis and the first round of economic stability measures for the 2009 had very small impact on health care sector, but the plans for restructuring health care sector might affect it in the future.