Realization of the EU's Cohesion Policy in Health Care in the Visegrad Group Countries in the Perspective 2014-2020

Abstract

A key objective of the European Union is to strengthen regional cohesion by addressing development disparities, particularly by targeting less-favored regions (1). Initiatives related to leveling development differences in the field of health care are recognized as a one of priorities in the European Union. Therefore, when implementing cohesion policy, decisions have been made to mobilize structural funds for sectoral activities. The aim of this paper is to present the European Union's cohesion policy in the field of health care and to indicate the most important actions of the implemented programmes/projects in selected countries: Poland, the Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic and Hungary-the Visegrad Group-VG4-in the period of 2014-2020. Analysis covers programmes, funding sources, and activities undertaken in achieving cohesion policy objectives in health care in the VG4.

A Review of the European Structural and Investment Funds in Health

“…Good health is important in different aspects: in microeconomic terms (for financial success) and in macroeconomic terms (as an integral part in developing human and social capital, as a determinant of economic growth) (Holecki, Kowalska-Bobko, Fraczkiewicz-Wronka & Wegrzyn, 2020). Health is connected with economic outcomes, productivity, competitiveness, employment, research and development, poverty reduction, social inclusion, public administration reform, liberalisation of health professions and inequalities (European Commission, 2014).…”

“…Health is connected with economic outcomes, productivity, competitiveness, employment, research and development, poverty reduction, social inclusion, public administration reform, liberalisation of health professions and inequalities (European Commission, 2014). Access to healthcare services is necessary for the health of society and to prevent economic losses due to a lack of health and economic activity (Holecki et al, 2020).…”

HB-HTA as an implementation problem in Polish health policy

“…In the context of HB-HTA, national legislation is becoming more important as a driving force, as in many areas it is increasing the decision-making autonomy of hospital managers, e.g., in terms of opportunities in telemedicine or digitization. The objectives adopted by the European Union with regard to healthcare systems, including the increased innovation, efficiency, and stability of healthcare systems, to a large extent facilitate the implementation of HB-HTA because, as a consequence of their adoption, a stream of financial resources has been initiated, e.g., for improving the competences of hospital managers or e-Health projects [67]. The process of change is also fostered by the public's growing trust in the healthcare system, and because of which, the legitimacy of change is increasing among its stakeholders-…”

“…The process of change may also be hindered by economic factors [94] an economic slowdown or downturn translate into lower health insurance premiums and sets back the implementation of HB-HTA. Apart from general macroeconomic factors, the process of implementing HB-HTA is also hampered by economic forces within the healthcare system-macroeconomic and health care economic speed [90], which should be understood as the failure of the system to keep up with changes in economic conditions occurring at a rapid pace [67]. The factors negatively impacting the process of change include diminishing resources coming from EU funds, the necessity to recruit new staff as well as modernizing and maintaining infrastructure, insufficient funds for financing scientific research, and the poor financial situation of hospitals, which hinders access to modern health technologies.…”

European Union Structural Funds as the Source of Financing Health Care Infrastructure Investments in Poland—A Longitudinal Analysis

“…European Union (EU) structural funds aim at reducing economic and social disparities between the member states regions (1). The two major funds include the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the European Social Fund (ESF).…”