Health Systems for Prosperity and Solidarity: leaving no one behind

A new WHO study shows evidence that health payments (paying for medicines and health services) are unaffordable for many people and cause financial hardship across the WHO European Region, including in high-income countries. The estimates prepared with data from 25 countries show that up to 8% of households cannot afford to pay for basic needs – food, rent, utility bills – after paying out of pocket for health care. This situation goes against the Tallinn Charter, which was adopted by 53 Member States of the Region in 2008, and states: “It is unacceptable that people become poor as a result of ill health”.

Tough questions will be asked at the high-level WHO meeting “Health systems for prosperity and solidarity, leaving no one behind”, which is to be held in Tallinn, Estonia on 13–14 June 2018, and countries will be encouraged to take urgent action. The meeting is being held on the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Tallinn Charter and will cover topics under an “include, invest, innovate” theme, looking at harnessing innovation, getting serious about prevention and asking the question: can people afford to pay for healthcare?

“Health systems have had a rough ride since the Tallinn Charter was signed. Ten years on, the economic climate is uncertain, gaps between rich and poor continue to grow and public spending on health has not kept pace with people’s needs,” said Dr. Zsuzsanna Jakab. “Families are having to pay for healthcare out of pocket. For many it is unaffordable. We urge countries to take steps to keep these out-of-pocket payments under 15% of total spending on health. This meeting is about honouring the legacy of the Tallinn Charter by working together to include, invest and innovate for the good of everyone in the European Region.”

The meeting brings together some 250 policy-makers and their influencers from across the Region and will culminate in an outcome statement renewing commitment to the values of the Tallinn Charter. Ministers of health from 15 Member States are expected to take part and the meeting will be opened by the President of Estonia, Kersti Kaljulaid.

Original source: WHO
Published on 12 June 2018