Progress in health care, progress in health?

摘要: This paper examines the potential impact of changes in medical care on changing population health Lithuania, Hungary and Romania, with west Germany included for comparison. We used concept deaths from certain causes that should not occur presence timely effective (amenable mortality) calculated contribution mortality these conditions to life expectancy between birth age 75 [e (0-75)] periods 1980/81 1988 1992 1997. Temporary improved consistently (men: 2.7 years, women: 1.6 years). In contrast, gains were relatively small other countries, except among Hungarian women, who gained 1.3 years. Romanian men lost 1980s, falling infant made a substantial improvements temporary all about quarter half year. Of this, more than can be attributed amenable conditions. At older ages, contributed 40% those aged over 40 and, lesser extent, Hungary, while causing loss Romania. 1990s, continued make contributions Lithuania but had little either or Among adults, benefit Hungarians Germans. up two-thirds gain attributable ischaemic heart disease whereas otherwise seems have negative impact. women experienced increases overall expectancy. Our findings suggest during last 20 years considerable impact, positively as well negatively, selected central eastern European countries.