[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”!! PLEASE DO NOT EDIT !!!” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ admin_label=”!!! PLEASE DO NOT EDIT !!!” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”TEXT – BLOCK 1″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||20px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Belarus, an Eastern European country with a population of 9.3 million people1<\/a><\/sup>, borders Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Russia, and Ukraine. Belarus has retained most features of the Soviet Semashko health system model, which is based on principles of public financing and universal access to health care. Health services are provided free-of-charge at the point of care through mostly state-owned facilities and are organized hierarchically and geographically2<\/a><\/sup>. The extensive entitlements for Belarusians to health care are guaranteed by the constitution, which defines the health system as universal2<\/a><\/sup>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”TEXT – BLOCK 2 ” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||1em||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Belarus is an upper-middle income country and has spent around 5-6% of GDP on health since 2005, reaching 6.4% in 20201<\/a><\/sup>. The health system is mainly funded through general taxation, and most revenue is raised at the local level. Most taxes are collected from public enterprises rather than payroll contributions2<\/a><\/sup>. Current health expenditure per capita doubled from Int$ 589 in 2005 to Int$ 1286 in 2020. This is 30% above the average of Int$ 984 international dollars in 2020 in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).\u00a0 Belarus\u2019s strong commitment to universal health coverage means that its people have some of the lowest out-of-pocket spending across the CIS \u2013 25% in 2020. The CIS average remains twice as high at 50 percent for the same period1<\/a><\/sup>. Out-of-pocket payments are typically used to buy pharmaceuticals, dental care, and some private services2<\/a><\/sup>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][ba_gradient_heading title=”Reform path: predictable incremental changes” html_tag=”h3″ primary_color=”#455A64″ secondary_color=”#455A64″ admin_label=”HEADING (50-60 characters)” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”||||||||” title_font_size=”24px” title_line_height=”1em” custom_padding=”15px||10px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/ba_gradient_heading][et_pb_text admin_label=”TEXT – BLOCK 3″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||1em||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The central government sets national health priorities, while regional and district administrations oversee the structure and implement the funding of primary and secondary care at the local level. The Ministry of Health (MOH) has overall responsibility for the system, including policymaking, and directly funds tertiary services. Efforts have been made to empower local health care administrations \u2013 by transferring some functions from MOH. The privatization of health care facilities and delegation of regulatory functions to nonstate bodies were moderate2<\/a><\/sup>. In 2023<\/span> , 64% (3450 of 5407) of health care facilities are public, and 36 % are private3<\/a><\/sup>.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”TEXT – BLOCK 4 ” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||1em||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Belarus implemented new policies in incremental changes rather than radical reforms. Capitation funding was introduced in some areas, and there have been consistent efforts to strengthen primary care2<\/a><\/sup>. In the 2021-2025 period, the country is gradually implementing pay-for-performance financing for outpatient care within capita budget limits and diagnostic-related group (DRG) financing for inpatient care to achieve more efficient health financing4<\/a><\/sup>. A recent health system modernization project funded by the World Bank aimed at creating a central e-health software platform, among other objectives, was partially implemented and suspended by the lender5<\/a><\/sup>. MOH\u2019s next steps include introducing national accreditation of health care organizations and developing e-health services4<\/a><\/sup>.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n