The healthcare system in Estonia has shown promising progress in several areas, yet the COVID-19 pandemic and existing health disparities have undermined these advancements. The European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies recently published an overview of Estonia’s healthcare system, shedding light on vital concerns and areas requiring urgent attention.
While Estonia has witnessed an increase in average life expectancy by 7.5 years over the past five years, the COVID-19 outbreak led to a surge in excess mortality in 2021, resulting in a decline in life expectancy. Despite advancements, cardiovascular diseases persist as a primary cause of premature deaths. The nation grapples with a significant portion of its population experiencing health issues rooted in behavioral risk factors such as imbalanced nutrition, smoking, and alcohol consumption.
Addressing Health Disparities in the Healthcare System
Ewout van Ginneken, an expert leading health systems reviews, emphasized the pivotal role of reducing inequalities to enhance the number of healthy years in Estonia. Notably, individuals with lower income and education levels are disproportionately affected, experiencing a higher loss of healthy years. Financial constraints often deter individuals from essential treatments due to high co-payments, raising concerns about equitable access to healthcare services.
A pressing issue remains the segment of the population lacking health insurance, limiting their access to timely health services. This situation exacerbates delayed treatments and poses a challenge in preserving individual health while also straining societal benefits. The call to extend insurance coverage to the entire population and provide exemptions based on households’ financial capabilities has gained urgency.
While the Estonian government has prioritized healthcare funding in the state budget, concerns about the Health Fund’s projected deficit of 170 million euros by 2025 persist. Although additional funds were allocated during the pandemic, ensuring the long-term sustainability of healthcare funding remains a significant challenge.
The healthcare system has undergone pivotal reforms, emphasizing the importance of bolstering primary care and mental health services. However, addressing chronic diseases in the future necessitates a stronger primary care system supported by adequate personnel and seamless coordination across different levels of the healthcare system.
Modernizing Health Fund Responsibilities for an Evolving Landscape
A critical challenge highlighted in the review is the acute shortage of healthcare workers, especially nurses, primary care, and mental health professionals. Managing the evolving healthcare landscape requires modernizing the framework governing the Health Fund’s responsibilities to effectively handle new obligations and prevent potential risks.
The overview of Estonia’s health system encompasses recent developments in the organization, management, financing, service provision, and overall functionality. It is part of the European Observatory’s series analyzing health systems across various European countries, aiming to provide comprehensive insights into the health structures and operations within the region.
Resource: Eurohealth Observatory, December 13, 2023
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