Economizing Healthcare - The Necessary Balance Between Market Relations and Government Regulation

Abstract

The transition to a market economy in our country has left a strong mark on the development of healthcare and the conditions under which it operates. In this article the three cardinal tracks of the changes in the healthcare system - the forming of market relations, structural changes, and changes in management – are presented. Healthcare is considered not only in terms of cost, but also in terms of investment, building up resources, job creation, etc. This defines it as an important economic factor in the development of the country’s regions and society. The primary differences between the funding system and the health insurance system are analyzed. Independently from the type and manner of funding healthcare, we reach the conclusion that the health of the population shouldn’t be treated as a byproduct of prosperity, but as an investment in future economic growth.