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Underfunding Of The Health System In Romania

Author

Listed:
  • MEZEI Sebastian

    (Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu)

  • PENTESCU Alma

    (Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu)

Abstract

Although health spending has increased in Romania, the budget allocation for health, compared to the gross domestic product, is among the lowest in Europe, specifically, in 2019, lower on average by 4.69% compared to the European average and by 6.08% compared to Germany, the country with the highest budget allocation for health. Every year, Romania s mortality rate is among the highest in the European Union, each time above the EU average and in last place in terms of treatable causes of mortality, which does show that the national health system fails to provide the necessary services, among the main causes being underfunding and inefficient use of allocated financial resources. The effects of the underfunding of the health system in Romania are highlighted in the statistics of the European Union level, the life expectancy at birth as well as the unsatisfied needs regarding the medical services ranked far worse than the European average. As part of this paper, a qualitative and quantitative research has been done which highlights the existence of direct relationships between the underfunding of the Romanian health system and the ability to provide citizens with adequate medical services. A comparative analysis of the level of funding in EU countries is conducted in regards to the best performing health systems, which have a direct impact on the health of the population and the situation in Romania.

Suggested Citation

  • MEZEI Sebastian & PENTESCU Alma, 2022. "Underfunding Of The Health System In Romania," Revista Economica, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, Faculty of Economic Sciences, vol. 74(3), pages 71-81, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:blg:reveco:v:74:y:2022:i:3:p:71-81
    DOI: 10.56043/reveco-2022-0026
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    health systems; health underfinancing; health services;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • A12 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Relation of Economics to Other Disciplines
    • H51 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Government Expenditures and Health
    • I15 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health and Economic Development
    • P43 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Other Economic Systems - - - Finance; Public Finance

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