The once and future health system in the former Yugoslavia: Myths and realities

This paper debunks three widely believed myths about the former Yugoslavia's health care system: that it was characterized by: (1) social ownership of 'self-managing' provider organizations; (2) a commitment to primary health care; and (3) a faith in what might be called the 'march of progress'-the health system's continuous expansion and improvement. In contrast to this picture, we present an alternative view and conclude with a word of caution for American consultants and health care reformers in Eastern European countries and newly independent states: If universal health coverage is to be maintained, beware of reforms that do no more than substitute private for public organizational forms.