Lecciones desde fuera. Otros países en ésta y otras crisis anteriores. Informe SESPAS 2014

Abstract

The evidence available on the impact of previous crises on health reveals different patterns attributable to study designs, the characteristics of each crisis, and other factors related to the socioeconomic and political context. There is greater consensus on the mediating role of government policy responses to financial crises. These responses may magnify or mitigate the adverse effects of crises on population health. Some studies have shown a significant deterioration in some health indicators in the context of the current crisis, mainly in relation to mental health and communicable diseases. Alcohol and tobacco use have also declined in some European countries. In addition, this crisis is being used by some governments to push reforms aimed at privatizing health services, thereby restricting the right to health and healthcare. Specifically, action is being taken on the three axes that determine health system financing: the population covered, the scope of services, and the share of the costs covered. These measures are often arbitrarily implemented based on ideological decisions rather than on the available evidence and therefore adverse consequences are to be expected in terms of financial protection, efficiency, and equity.

Health Care Austerity Measures in Times of Crisis

“…2,[21][22][23][24][25][26] For instance, a 2013 study on HIV incidence in Spain, health status perception, and mortality found a countercyclical association between the economic crisis and certain health measures, such as a reduction in mortality due to traffic accidents, infectious diseases (except for HIV-related), and drug use. 27,28 In the area of mental health conditions, mood/anxiety disorders and alcohol abuse are on the rise. 22,29,30 Suicides have increased by 11.3% from 2011 to 2013, with a rate of 7.6 per 100,000 inhabitants, the highest since 2005.…”

Economic environment and health care coverage: Analysis of social acceptance of access restrictive policies applied in Spain in the context of economic crisis

“…This is an important transformation which has strongly discussed by society. Some studies have shown the negative impact of economic crisis on inequality and healthcare [22,23], and some underlined the effects on the weakest social groups [24] as unemployed, chronically ill people, ethnic minorities, etc.…”

Medical care for refugees: A question of ethics and public health

“…Ethical considerations aside, these measures require the application of specific resources to ensure that the health of the displaced persons and the host population is not negatively affected. 26,27 Screening programs for immigrants and refugees have been questioned from an ethical viewpoint, since they could be considered a limitation to these groups' rights. 28 However, it is important to highlight that a screening program is not a threat in itself, but that ethical considerations could arise with respect to the use made of the results.…”