Health Status and Health Care Systems in Central and Eastern Europe

In the last 18 years, the countries of the Central and Eastern European region (CEE) have experienced dynamic epidemiological developments characterized by improved average life expectancy. Despite the marked improvement in that area, most CEE countries have yet to achieve the average life expectancy of the EU- 15. Significant discrepancies, even between the CEE countries themselves, remain a fact. Nevertheless, the overall health of the CEE population is improving. This, together with demographic changes such as aging, may have an impact on future medical service utilization levels and health expenditures. These demographic and epidemiological changes are taking place together with the institutional transformation of the sector.