Health Legislation in Eastern European Countries: the Baltic States

Abstract

The aim of this article is to have a close look at health legislation developments in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania countries having a similar geographical, political and historical situation. This article is an attempt to analyze health legislation developments, bearing in mind some international obligations, constitutional provisions, court practice and the impact of reforms of health sector on the promotion of health legislation. Health legislation is a complex subject, covering a wide field of health law subjects. The main point, a right to health care, can be viewed from perspectives of social values and as a fundamental human right. The States' responsibilities are combined with individual rights. Patients' rights in all different aspects make up the core issue.