Health System Reform: A Response to the Challenges of
Political Transition
The Soviet system, despite its many and profound flaws, represented a very real achievement.
It provided a basis for community health activities including mandatory immunization and
periodic health checks and fostered a generation committed to solidarity in health care
provision. Despite the enormous challenges facing the country, the belief in a health care
system centered on need rather than ability to pay remains intact. There is though, a growing
awareness of the necessity of increased efficiency and a real desire to enhance user satisfaction.