The Impact of Social Assistance Programs on Reducing Inequities in Health Care Among Vulnerable Groups in the Republic of Macedonia (A Small Scale Descriptive Study)
Journal Title: Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) - Year 2009, Vol 2, Issue 1
Abstract
Aim. The aim of this research was to look at the impact of social assistance programs on reducing social inequities in health care among the vulnerable groups in Macedonia. Materials and methods. A small scale descriptive study was conducted using open ended questionnaire among the homeless, socially excluded Roma and people dependent on state provided financial allowances. These vulnerable groups were considered to be at highest risk of poverty and social exclusion. Results. Our research findings indicate that there are differences and inconsistencies in the implementation and effectiveness of the social assistance programs for the beneficiary populations in Macedonia. We found that these people were exposed to high financial expenses needed to access the health care services. This situation contributes to the deepening of their poverty. Conclusions. There is need to raise the awareness and to improve the communication strategies of the Government. Special programs should be designed and implemented at local level to target these vulnerable groups in order to increase the availability and access to health care services.
Authors and Affiliations
Vladimir Lazarevik, MD, MPH| Institute of Social Medicine, Medical Faculty, University “Ss Kiril and Metodij”, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia, Marija Risteska, MSc| Center for Research and Policy Making, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia, Valentina Simonovska, MD, MSc| Institute of Health Protection, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia
Keywords
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- EP ID EP8680
- DOI 10.3889/MJMS.1857-5773.2009.0033
- Views 342
- Downloads 21
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