The most expensive healthcare system is not necessarily the one that invests the most, but rather the one that reacts too late.
When an illness is not identified in time—for instance, when a patient bypasses primary care and goes directly to specialist or hospital-based care—costs rise, while the chances for simpler treatment diminish. This topic was discussed by a panel featuring Dr. Sebija Izetbegović (Parliament of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina), Dr. Kristina Šimović (Parliament of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina), and Dr. Maja Dragojević-Stojić (National Assembly of Republika Srpska).
A key takeaway was the need to further develop the expertise of family medicine physicians. The more health issues that can be effectively identified and managed at the primary care level, the less unnecessary pressure is placed on secondary and tertiary healthcare services.
This requires continuous education for both healthcare professionals and the general public.
Prevention is particularly crucial in the context of malignant and chronic diseases. Early detection can lead to simpler treatment, better patient outcomes, and a significantly lighter burden on the healthcare system in the future.
At the same time, the issue of financing cannot be reduced merely to a demand for larger budgets; how existing funds are allocated is equally important.
The discussion also touched upon alternative sources of healthcare funding, such as directing a portion of the revenue from excise taxes on tobacco and alcohol products toward the healthcare system.
Equally important is how these funds are actually spent. The lowest price should not be the sole criterion when procuring medicines and medical equipment. The long-term cost of a low-quality or unsuitable solution can far exceed any initial savings.
A system must also be evaluated based on how equitable it is. One’s place of residence should not determine how quickly one can access treatment, nor the quality of healthcare services received.
Strengthening primary care, increasing prevention, and improving the allocation of existing resources are not three separate issues. They are part of a unified approach: intervening earlier, spending more rationally, and ensuring patients receive treatment when they need it.
