[EQ] Health system snapshots: perspectives from six countries

Health system snapshots: perspectives from six countries

 

Eurohealth Vol 14 No 1 - 2008
LSE Health, London School of Economics and Political Science - London, United Kingdom

 

Available online PDF [52p.] at: http://www.lse.ac.uk/collections/LSEHealth/pdf/eurohealth/vol14no1.pdf

 

‘…..We hear a lot about the soaring price of commodities such as oil and gas. The global energy crisis will not be resolved through further exploration for fossil fuels. Instead, that most precious of commodities, knowledge, can help find innovative ways of harnessing new sources of energy.

 

Knowledge is also priceless for health policy. Intelligence on the state of health systems is vital, yet it can be difficult to keep up with the rapid pace of

change. In this issue of Eurohealth we include snapshots on six countries. Originally commissioned and funded by the New York based Commonwealth

Fund, and prepared in a common format, they provide an opportunity to reflect on approaches to efficiency and quality improvement.

 

We are also delighted to include a contribution from historian Louis Galambos, who highlights challenges for the global vaccine industry and how these parallel

past events. In an economic downturn, cost pressures may first be felt in areas viewed as low priorities. All too often public health research can suffer. As well as

the potential lost health benefits, the economic consequences of reduced investment into vaccine research and development may be substantial: Europe

currently produces around 90% of the world’s vaccines. Professor Galambos argues that we should focus on the long-term benefits of vaccines to society,

rather than just being mindful of short-term budgetary requirements.

 

We also feature two articles looking at how knowledge can better inform policy making. Hans Stein looks at the role of international organisations in public health

research across the EU. He calls for more emphasis on ensuring that research is feasible, policy relevant and linked to the policy making process. Philipa

Mladovsky and colleagues, meantime, argue that we are losing an opportunity to make use of much existing knowledge….”

 

The health system in England

   Seán Boyle

The health system in France

   Isabelle Durand-Zaleski

The health system in Germany

  Reinhard Busse

The health system in Denmark

  Karsten Vrangbæk

The health system in the Netherlands

  Niek Klazinga

The health system in Sweden

  Anders Anell

Public Health Perspectives

What are the prospects for a new golden era in vaccines?

   Louis Galambos

Access to research data in Europe

  Philipa Mladovsky, Elias Mossialos and Martin McKee

Supporting and using policy-oriented public health research at the European level

Hans Stein

Health Policy Developments

Celtic Tiger, Health Care Dragon: Fiery debates in the Irish private health insurance market

   Brian Turner

Governance in the pharmaceutical sector

   Armin Fidler and Wezi Msisha

Pharmaceutical policy challenges in Central and Eastern Europe

   Andreas Seiter

 

 

       *      *      *     *  
         This message from the Pan American Health Organization, PAHO/WHO, is part of an effort to disseminate 
         information Related to: Equity; Health inequality; Socioeconomic inequality in health; Socioeconomic 
         health differentials; Gender; Violence; Poverty; Health Economics; Health Legislation; Ethnicity; Ethics; 
         Information Technology - Virtual libraries; Research & Science issues.  [DD/ KMS Area] 

         “Materials provided in this electronic list are provided "as is". Unless expressly stated otherwise, the findings
         and interpretations included in the Materials are those of the authors and not necessarily of The Pan American
         Health Organization PAHO/WHO or its country members”.
         ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         PAHO/WHO Website: http://www.paho.org/ 
         EQUITY List - Archives - Join/remove: http://listserv.paho.org/Archives/equidad.html

 

 

 

    IMPORTANT: This transmission is for use by the intended recipient and it may contain privileged, proprietary or confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient or a person responsible for delivering this transmission to the intended recipient, you may not disclose, copy or distribute this transmission or take any action in reliance on it. If you received this transmission in error, please notify us immediately by email to infosec@paho.org, and please dispose of and delete this transmission. Thank you.