CHALLENGES FOR MIGRANT HEALTH POLICY IN THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA

Abstract

Migration Integration Policy Index (MIPEX) Health strand questionnaire (2015) was applied to analyze health policies affecting migrant integration related to migrants’ entitlements to health services; accessibility of health services for migrants; responsiveness to migrants’ needs; and measures to achieve change in Republic of Macedonia. Republic of Macedonia has health strand total score 38, lower than the highest score 70 in Switzerland, but much higher than the lowest score in Latvia 17 and higher than the neighboring countries Greece and Bulgaria. Republic of Macedonia is in the same score group with Turkey and Cyprus. Health care is a constitutionally-guaranteed universal right for citizens in Republic of Macedonia. As most Southeast European countries. Republic of Macedonia offers migrants legal entitlements to healthcare, but still little to adapt services to their needs. There is a need to create appropriate structures in health system accessible to refugees responsive to their needs and different cultures based on universal human rights