Health Financial Protection for the Poor in the times of Economic Crises: Resistance Economy Policies

An economic crisis is any decrease in economic activity in the whole economy of a country that lasts more than a few months and is visible in GDP, income, employment, industrial production and major and minor sales. The poorare more susceptible to irreparable damage to health due to economic crises. Inability to finance health services may force them to neglect essential services. The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of economic crises on health spending, and utilization of services among thepoor.

In this qualitative study first, the major financial crises of the health system, budget shortages and financial protection policies in crises with focus on the poor over the past fourteen years were sought and identified through semi-systematic searches of valid databases. Then, a questionnaire based on the findings of a review of studies including the main topics of health system financial crises, the effects of crises on the health system and the health system response to them, designed by experts and Health system specialists selected by convenience and purposeful sampling were completed.

A clear policy response to protect the poor has not been formulated in the health system to deal with financial crises, and laws and documents relate to conditions of economic stability. A review of the financial crises of the last four decades has shown that in crises with a foreign origin (war and sanctions), often reduce access to services and diminish the services having the most important effects on the health system and the austerity policies were the main policy response. Costs shifting has also been the most important policy response in domestic financial crises (caused by rising costs and lack of budget due to economic policies).

Governments that place greater focus on social safety net programs, justice and health financing, are more resilient to financial crises. Efficacy, cost reduction, and income support mechanisms can help governments maintain critical services for the poor and vulnerable. The countrychr('39')s health system must focus on ensuring the access of the poor to health services in times of crises.