Health care service in Slovenia

Pravica do zdravstvenega varstva v Sloveniji je zagotovljena na podlagi 51. člena Ustave RS. Zdravstvena dejavnost se izvaja kot javna služba v okviru mreže javne zdravstvene službe. Slednja je sestavljena na primarni, sekundarni in terciarni ravni. Na primarni ravni jo je dolžna zagotoviti občina, na sekundarni in terciarni ravni pa država. Obveznosti javne službe v zdravstvu lahko opredelimo kot obveznost zagotavljati: univerzalne storitve, trajnost, kakovost, dostopnost in varstvo pacientovih pravic. Univerzalnost storitev v zdravstvu je tesno povezana z obsegom zdravstvenih storitev, ki jih zagotavlja obvezno zdravstveno zavarovanje. Trajnost predstavlja obveznost izvajalca javne službe, da opravlja zdravstveno dejavnost trajno in nepretrgano. Kakovost v zdravstvu definiramo kot eno izmed ravni, ki pomagajo pri ocenjevanju uspešnosti sistema zdravstvenega varstva. Dostopnost pomeni obveznost izvajalca zdravstvene javne službe, da omogoči uživanje zdravstvenih storitev vsem po dostopni ceni. Varstvo pacientovih pravic določa pravice in obveznosti pacienta ter njegovo pravno varstvo v primeru spora.The right to healthcare of people is protected and ensured by 51. article in the Slovenian Constitution. The healthcare service is provided through a service network that is split up into three levels. It consists of primary, secondary and tertiary care level. Municipality is compelled to establish primary care level, while secondary and tertiary care level must be established by the state. Public service obligations in health care can be defined as necessity to ensure following public service elements such as: universal service, continuity, quality of service, affordability and patient’s rights. Universal service in healthcare is closely connected with the amount of health services that are provided by compulsory health insurance. Continuity is an obligation of a public health service provider to ensure continuous and uninterrupted health service. Quality in health care is defined as one of the levels that helps to evaluate successfulness of health care system. Obligation of the health service is also to be affordable, ensuring accessible treatment to all. Safety of patient’s rights defines patient’s rights and commitments, while also their legal chances in case of dispute