Health sector performance and efficiency in Ireland
Overall, the health of the Irish population has improved substantially during recent
decades and is quite good compared with other OECD countries. However, spending is
elevated, partly reflecting a system that is strongly based on hospitals. Population
ageing is exacerbating spending pressures. In addition, the health sector is dealing
with past underspending, particularly in capital outlays in the years following the
global financial crisis, that have constrained service delivery, contributing to substantial
waiting lists and heavy pressure on staff. The government has initiated wide-ranging
reforms, termed Sláintecare, with the aim of broadening the coverage of universal
care, decentralising provision and enhancing the integration of primary, community
and hospital care. The reforms are complicated, reflecting a healthcare system that
is complex and at times opaque. This is particularly the case with the interaction
of the public and private parts of the system in which private patients enjoy easier
access to care, leading to concerns about a two-tier healthcare system. The creation
of new regional health areas is set to support more decentralised decision-making,
but information systems to track spending and reform implementation need an overhaul.
The COVID-19 pandemic has diverted policy-making attention just as the reforms got
underway, but stepping up the efforts to address legacy issues and move forward on
the reforms is now key to meet the coming challenges while using resources effectively.
Published on March 03, 2023
In series:OECD Economics Department Working Papersview more titles