Economic crisis: impact on the health of citizens and consequences on health systems

The current status of the economy, for which the term financial crisis of 2008 was used, began from the US and evolved due to the globalization crisis internationally to a composite of the economy with the result today to talk more about economic downturn or crisis for many low-and middle-income countries. Employment is one of the main areas affected during an economic crisis and consequently the unemployment rate and employment insecurity rise sharply. The last 20 years in all relevant studies have shown that unemployment and insecurity are leading to loss of prosperity and poverty and have dramatic though not absolutely clarified effects on health. The majority of them indicate the proportional relationship between long-term unemployment with an increased risk of premature mortality and morbidity from cardiovascular diseases and especially mental disorders that prevent a new round of problems such as suicides and violent deaths (fatalities, crimes, deaths from overdose of alcohol and drugs). WHO warns that the negative effects of the crisis will be much, for developing countries with reduced financial support, for developed countries which have requested emergency aid from the IMF but also for sensitive population groups within the powerful economic countries while their restriction appears to be based on political and economic support. The economic crisis also creates problems in the finance of health systems, while at the same time bear the function of public health services due to increased demand. The need for proper allocation of scarce financial resources oriented towards the principles of social justice and solidarity becomes even more urgent today.