Mongolian health system at a crossroads (The ): an incomplete transition to a post-Semashkom Model
Authors/Editors: World Bank
Publication date: 2008
Series: Paper No. 2007-1
Language: English
Number of pages: 91
Overview
“….This report presents the state of health of the Mongolian population and of the challenges facing the government as it reforms the health system. This chapter examines the recent deterioration in certain key health outcomes. Chapter 2 explores the factors that have contributed to these outcomes, while Chapter 3, provides recommendations for both short-term and long-term actions that the Government of Mongolia can take to rectify many of these perceived problems in the health sector. Finally, in Chapter 4, several specific ways in which the international donor community can support the government in carrying out these reforms are put forward. …”
Key Facts
- Nearly half of all Mongolians are engaged in herding or agriculture. Harsh winters and periodic droughts have adverse effects on livestock and agricultural output, which together account for at least 20 percent of GDP.
- Per capita income is under US$600 and one-third of the population lives below the poverty line.
- A severe economic downturn (from 1990 to 1994) increased unemployment, crime, homelessness and alcoholism and reversed improvements in health and education indicators achieved during the Soviet era.
- Adult mortality is rising, with cancer, cardiovascular disease and accidents acting as the biggest contributors to this rise.
- Maternal mortality rates are fluctuating instead of gradually decreasing and are particularly high for women giving birth in hospitals.
- MOH statistics reporting a steady decline in infant and child mortality rates appear to be inaccurate, raising concerns about the country’s health information systems.
- Poor people and those living in rural areas are the worst affected by health system failures.