Advocacy for access to public health insurance for migrants in the Czech Republic: interplay of stakeholders and political environment
Abstract
Access to healthcare is a crucial aspect for migrants' integration. For Czech citizens, this is assured by public health insurance based on solidarity principles.
During the last decade, substantial efforts have been made by Czech NGOs and academics to improve the situation. In 2012 the Consortium of Migrants Assisting Organisations in the Czech Republic started the Campaign for Public Health Insurance for All Migrants.
The Campaign included a preparation of expert analysis, a video documentary about consequences of this system, work with the media, seminars for different stakeholders, collection of signatures for petition to the Czech government and other activities. As a result of these coordinated efforts, some political documents were approved to confirm the intention of the Czech government to improve the situation.
Nevertheless, the final goal of the Campaign has not been achieved, mostly due to the resistance of commercial insurance companies profiting from the current system.