ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE IN KOSOVO

During the summer of 2016, a nationwide household survey of 1,309 Kosovars was conducted for the Kosovo Women’s Network and the Kosovo Ministry of Health on the state of the healthcare system and on the abilities of Kosovar citizens to access the healthcare system. This report analyzes the survey data in order to assess the degrees to which 1) Kosovar citizens face barriers to accessing the healthcare system, 2) utilize the services offered by the public and private healthcare systems, 3) are aware of their rights as patients, and 4) view the healthcare delivery system as efficient and effective.  Each of these dimensions is operationalized through indices constructed through related survey interview questions.  The barriers to access index is further delineated with additional indices focusing on financial, geographic, and cultural barriers. In a similar fashion, the quality of care index is sub-divided into indices focusing specifically on patient-provider relationships, perception of personnel quality, and availability of medical services.  The findings of this report provide quantitative support for much of the anecdotal perceptions that have, to date, driven the policy debate on healthcare delivery in Kosovo.  Progress is being made, yet much remains to be done.  Ethnic minorities and rural residents of the Republic have consistently less access to quality healthcare.  The current structures and administration of the public and private healthcare systems create mixed motives for doctors that often lead to less than optimal and efficient quality of care and access to the Kosovar healthcare system.