Crisis económica, políticas sociales y desigualdades en salud

Abstract

In recent years, the European Public Health Systems have been mired in the worst financial crisis in its history, pointing to the welfare state as the main responsible for it. The objective of this work has been to analyze the extent to which the economic crisis that began in 2008 has affected the social policies and inequalities in health, specifying the effects of this on the health of the population. To properly analyze the current situation, it is important to know to what extent the economic crisis has affected the health of populations and in particular, certain vulnerable groups (children, elderly, women, others). Contrary to the recent UN resolution urging governments to provide universal access and quality of health services, the tendency has been to prioritize the reduction in the deficit through austerity measures focused on health and education. The effects of this health crisis depends on the social protection policies undertaken, and its extension of services to the most vulnerable groups, as these crises have been associated with an increase in most diseases, mainly mental, as well as an increase in suicide mortality.