Innovation in health care: Basis for management systems improvements

Health care systems are under considerable stress in most economies, with growing demand for services, including those using new technologies, and limits on financial resources even in the richest economies. At the same time, innovations in health systems have contributed greatly to increased longevity and quality of life in recent decades, and there is strong potential for further gains. Increasing health not only delivers major benefits to individuals and communities but also contributes to economic growth. One estimate is that about half of improvement in welfare of the world's population during 20th Century came from improved health, and there are evidences that improved population health makes the positive contribution to growth of world's economy. The main recommendation of this paper is focused on urgent implementation of a comprehensive e-health strategy and management systems. Strategic e-health and management systems investments can help deliver the most comprehensive modernization of health care system in Serbia.