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A Review of the Modern Mongolian Healthcare System
Cent Asian J Med Sci 2015;1:16-21
Published online November 30, 2015
© 2015 Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences.

Natalie Neumann1, David Warburton2

1Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA; 2Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA. USA
Correspondence to: Natalie Neumann, MD
Surgery Research #35, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles 90027.
Tel: + 1-323-361-5422, E-mail: natalie_neumann@post.harvard.edu
Received July 7, 2015; Revised August 29, 2015; Accepted September 25, 2015.
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/bync/3.0/) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
 Abstract
Objectives: Known to most as the horse-loving homeland of Chinggis Khan, Mongolia is today a country of increasing geopolitical, economic, and popular cultural significance. But even as an increasing number of health workers visit the country, its healthcare system remains unexplored in the medical literature. Here follows a broad-brushstrokes overview of the modern medical system of Mongolia, its structure and challenges. It is comprised of an overview of the country's demographics, health profile, and medical history, followed by a brief summary of selected issues that affect the modern healthcare system. Methods: Descriptive single-case study consisting of clinical observations by the authors, original hospital-level data, and interviews with practitioners and policymakers. Results: The Mongolian healthcare system has performed well through the tumultuous transition from a socialist to a capitalist economy. Our analysis reveals three areas that require improvement: delivery of care, practitioner experience, and health systems administration. Conclusion: This article reviews not only the history and structure of the modern Mongolian healthcare system, but also its strengths and challenges. It is hoped that in explicating these issues, current and future efforts to assist Mongolian healthcare providers may be directed more constructively and efficiently.
Keywords : Mongolia, Delivery of Health Care, Asia, Central, Global Health, Internship and Residency