Croatia

Croatia’s National Health Development Plan 2021-2027 is a mid-term strategic framework aligned with the National Development Strategy 2030, focusing on improving health system efficiency, accessibility, and quality of care. It aims to address systemic inefficiencies, healthcare workforce shortages, and disparities in access to services. Key priorities include strengthening preventive healthcare, integrating digital health solutions, improving hospital infrastructure, and enhancing workforce planning to reduce migration of healthcare professionals. The plan emphasizes a shift toward preventive and community-based care, targeting non-communicable diseases, mental health, and aging-related conditions. Efforts are directed at reducing geographical disparities by enhancing rural healthcare access and emergency medical services. Despite ambitious reforms, challenges persist in financial sustainability, governance, and patient care coordination. The plan acknowledges the need for better data collection, performance monitoring, and policy evaluation to ensure effective implementation. It also prioritizes collaboration across sectors, including social care and education, to promote healthier lifestyles and improve public health outcomes. While the plan presents a comprehensive approach to healthcare transformation, its success depends on sustained political commitment, adequate resource allocation, and the ability to implement structural reforms efficiently. Strengthening intersectoral collaboration and digital transformation will be critical in achieving long-term improvements in Croatia’s healthcare system​.