A CONCEPT OF HEALTH-FINANCING REFORM IN THE SOVIET-UNION

A conceptual framework and a blueprint of the health-financing reform have been proposed to the Soviet Parliament by a group of economists and health policy analysts. The draft law offers a new pattern of health financing that is expected to increase both the volume and quality of medical care through raising additional funds, decentralizing health policies and management, providing medical facilities with higher motivation for productive and cost-effective performance, and creating economic incentives for employees and individuals for better labor conditions, pollution abatement, and healthy lifestyles.