Access to health care and health rights of older people: Serbian example

Context

Serbian population is ageing rapidly.

The percentage of population 65 years and older was 17,2% (census data 2011) .

Projected to increase to 21% in 2030.

How to reform/optimize the health care system according to this demographic shift?

Health of older PeopleNational Health Survey

40.2% percieve their health as bad or very bad.

Prevalence of NCD for people 65+ are:

hypertensia 65.6%,

hyperlipidemia 22%,

diabetes 17.8%,

some form of depression 10.8%,

chronic respiratory disease 8.4% and asthma 6.8%.

Health sector

The Republic of Serbia has a tradition of a publicly funded health sector.

Main legislation regulating health protection considers people above 65 as the group with a higher risk of illness.

Legislative framework of Health care system

Older people generous rights and entitlements covered by public sector.

Serbia still does not have Long term care developed.

Health protection system and social protection system are not synchronized.

Access to health services is one of the biggest challenges to the reform of the health system (rural areas).

Health inequities are yet another challenge for the health system.

Red Cross of Serbia

6.200 beneficiaries and around 1.000 volunteers in 54 municipalities

Health care related services: measuring blood sugar level and blood pressure, scheduling medical examinations, organizing transportation to health centers, as well as assistance in exercising ones rights regarding health protection.

Red Cross of Serbia

Traditional activity: Visiting Villages

Identifying older people without medical insurance and assistance with obtaining it

Provision of medical drugs to older people in rural areas

Cooperation with the Ministry of Defense: Military physicians visiting rural areas

Traditional activity: Visiting Villages

Identifying older people without medical

insurance and assistance with obtaining it

Provision of medical drugs to older people in rural areas

Cooperation with the Ministry of Defense:

Military physicians visiting rural areas

Red Cross of Serbia

Advocacy efforts

Red Cross of Serbia coordinate advocacy CSO network HumanaS

We advocate for improved access to health services (especially in rural areas)

More investment in preventive activities Introducing screening for AD and depression on the GP

level Problems of age discrimination and ageism in Health

system