IMPACT OF THE NATIONAL ECONOMY ON FINANCING THE HEALTH SYSTEM OF THE REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA

Abstract

Health is the first priority of every individual, and therefore of each community. Or at least it should be. The unobstructed functioning of the healthcare system is crucial for every society. The disturbance of its functioning could endanger the health of the population as the most important resource for the general social and economic development. According to the United Nations Human Rights Declaration, the right to life, the right to health and treatment are one of the fundamental human rights. It is precisely this role that has a common system for ensuring the protection of the health of one country.

In a market-oriented society it is usual that everything that is valuable has a high price. Especially if the demand is inelastic, and the o?er largely monopolized. Therefore, the role of the state is irreplaceable in securing public goods and services. In this context, health systems, and in particular systems of economically weaker countries, face great challenges. Despite many limitations, it is necessary to find an adequate model of financing the healthcare system, and therefore its normal functioning, creating a good basis for the overall development of the society. Republic of Srpska is also facing this challenge.

The aim of this paper is to examine the impact of the key macroeconomic parameters of the Republic of Srpska economy on the financing and sustainability of its healthcare system. This primarily relates to the movement -* gross domestic product, employment and salary levels, which largely determine the main revenues from which healthcare expenditures are aligned. The paper is also trying to point out the necessity of modifying the health care financing model in order to make the healthcare system sustainable and to make further progress in providing health services.