ECE statistical data base. The so-called Administrative Councils are in charge of health care, while their decisions are executed by institutional management. The Administrative Council is also in place as the strongest public insurance institution, covering mandatory health insurance. Additional health insurance is available as well, but only on a private basis. No information is available Status The Croatian health system was established by the newly- independent State.
Legislation promotes universality of access, health promotion, and primary health care.
Between 1990 and 1995, Croatia was a victim of war aggression, which resulted in several tens of thousands of killed, disabled, and wounded. Material destruction was considerably great as well, including, inter alia, the destruction of sixteen hospitals. For that reason, great attention is given to the reconstruction of the health care infrastructure, and to the provision of measures promoting general access to health services for all Croatian citizens, mostly through primary health care. During the war period, it was 11.1 and 11.6 in 1991 and 1992 respectively, and was later reduced to 8.7 per 1000 live births in 1995. Additional data also bare out the point that health protection and health promotion measures have been effective.