Healthcare Overview

Abstract

The healthcare system in the Czech Republic has undergone and still is undergoing dramatical changes since the Velvet revolution in 1989. A brief history of a Czech healthcare system from the beginning in 1883, through the World Wars I. and II., and later during a period of being a part Soviet sphere countries is given. Main healthcare laws and the current status of healthcare system are documented in detail after the Velvet revolution. Main healthcare indicators are being described based on the several main statistical sources and ministerial documents and strategic materials as well as delivery of healthcare and the role of the main actors in healthcare system. Some basic aspects of international comparison with EU member states (after joining the EU in May 2004) and the initiation of PPPM (preventive, predictive and personalized medicine) principles in Czech healthcare system are performed. The material is based mainly on Czech Health Statistics 2009, and HiT Summary, Healthcare Systems in Translation, 2005, public information of Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic.