Karimi I, Salarian A, Anbari Z. A comparative study on equity in access to health services in developed countries and designing a model for Iran. J Arak Uni Med Sci 2010; 12 (4) :92-104
URL:
http://jams.arakmu.ac.ir/article-1-136-en.html
1- , azita_salarian@yahoo.com
Abstract: (17905 Views)
Background: All members of society should have equal access to necessary health care. The main goal of this research is to determine the status of health care access in eight selected countries and to suggest a new model for Iran. Materials and Methods: This study was done comparatively on eight countries. In order to define a framework for categorizing the countries Jordan scales was employed. In this method, based on the kind of insurance system, countries are divided into 4 groups, from each 2 countries were selected. Data obtained from each country were placed in comparative tables. For presenting the final model, Delphi technique was utilized in two stages. Results: To increase equity in their health care systems, all the countries in this study utilized such strategies as insurance coverage for all, defined health care packages, appropriate human resources, family physicians, referral system and high level of GNP in health sector. Also, low direct payment by patients, expansion of insurance coverage and the existence of out of pocket pay limit in pharmaceutical and medical services were also very helpful. These policies have been made in a way that the level of individuals' income did not affect the access to such services. Conclusion: Equitable access to health care services in Iran necessitates the establishment of national health insurance system aiming at omission of parallel insurance, provision of medical care coverage for all the basic medical services especially health care coverage for the elderly and patients with chronic psychological problems.
Type of Study:
Original Atricle |
Subject:
General Received: 2009/01/6