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Soviet health care and perestroika
1Department of Pathology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030.
American Journal of Public Health
|February 1, 1990
Summary
Soviet healthcare reform under perestroika faces challenges. Despite increased funding and private medicine initiatives, economic recovery and access to Western resources are crucial for improving the system and addressing rising infant mortality and declining life expectancy.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Policy
- Socioeconomics
Background:
- Soviet healthcare system facing criticism for quality, access, and provider attitudes.
- Rising infant mortality rates and declining life expectancy observed in recent years.
- Perestroika reforms initiated by Mikhail Gorbachev impacting all sectors, including health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the current state of Soviet health and medical care.
- To outline proposed reforms for the Soviet healthcare system.
- To assess the prospects for the success of these reforms.
Main Methods:
- Descriptive analysis of the Soviet health and medical care system.
- Review of proposed governmental reforms and financing changes.
- Assessment of economic factors and resource availability impacting healthcare.
Main Results:
- Proposed reforms include a 50% increase in state healthcare financing and limited private medicine.
- Experimentation with capitation financing models is planned.
- Significant challenges exist in financing improvements and integrating private care.
Conclusions:
- Government financing shortfalls and tight controls on private medicine may hinder reform success.
- Economic recovery of the Soviet Union is a key determinant for healthcare improvement.
- Access to Western medical materials is critical for the future of Soviet healthcare reform.