The new report from the National Audit Office shows that Estonians' share of health care costs is too high.
In Estonia, patients pay 21 percent of the costs themselves. Dental care is the most expensive. Medications and nursing care are also costly.
When the share grows, the entire system becomes more expensive. Earlier treated people do not become seriously ill. 21 percent is already too much.
The Ministry of Social Affairs aims to reduce the share. The ministry is conducting an analysis. The analysis will be completed by the end of next year.
WHO recommends a 15 percent share. This is still a distant goal for Estonia. Dental care is one of the areas with a higher share. The state pays little for dental care.
Estonia's health care costs last year amounted to approximately eight percent of GDP. The European Union average is 10 percent.
Currently, it is not possible to fund all health care services. The number of treatment specialists has decreased.