A recent report from a Bratislava-based think tank highlights the divide in health system resilience between Western and Eastern Europe. It emphasizes differences in their preparedness for future health threats, raising concerns about regional disparities.
Proactive Measures and Key Findings
While no country escaped the COVID-19 pandemic unscathed, some nations are acting more proactively. They aim to strengthen healthcare systems against future crises, including those linked to Europe’s aging population. The GLOBSEC report warns these disparities may have serious implications. “A chain is as strong as its weakest link” applies to healthcare, the researchers noted, adding that the “strength of the chain” varies significantly across EU countries.
The report assessed 36 metrics, such as healthcare workforce, access to medical technology, and disease burden. It also examined strategic health planning to determine which European countries are best equipped for future health crises. Norway ranked highest, followed by the Netherlands, Sweden, Germany, and Denmark. Bulgaria, Poland, Latvia, Romania, and Slovakia occupied the lowest positions, with eight of the bottom ten countries located in Central or Eastern Europe.
Challenges and Emerging Trends
The report highlights a link between healthcare spending and system performance. Higher-spending countries generally rank better, although socioeconomic and urban-rural divides persist even in wealthier nations. The COVID-19 pandemic further strained healthcare budgets, especially in countries with pre-existing financial pressures.
High-ranking countries report higher cancer rates, attributed to better diagnostic capabilities. In contrast, lower-ranked nations face inadequate healthcare infrastructure, fewer specialized clinics, and long wait times. Access to new medications is also delayed, while corruption perceptions in hospitals are higher than in the rest of Europe.
Eastern Europe recorded higher excess death rates since the pandemic, with Bulgaria and Lithuania experiencing the largest increases. Although Central and Eastern European countries raised healthcare budgets during the pandemic, their spending remains only 50% to 60% of what top-ranked countries allocate.
Researchers noted that countries with lower scores often contend with underfunded healthcare systems. This underfunding leads to shortages in medical supplies, outdated equipment, and insufficient facilities. However, positive developments are emerging. For instance, while access to new medicines remains limited in Central and Eastern Europe, the Czech Republic has achieved 62% availability of EU-approved medicines, compared to a regional average of just 28%.