The role of avoidable mortality in health assessment

Measuring the health status of the population is difficult, since many aspects have to be considered. In present, the emphasis is on using tools that includes as many dimensions of health as is possible; also, calculating synthetic and comprehensive indicators covering many aspects of health has become a common practice. Avoidable mortality (with its two components: treatable and preventable causes) is useful in measuring the health status of the population, but also in planning and assessing the healthcare services.In Romania, the avoidable mortality is less studied and data existing at international level require deepening in researching this phenomenon, in order to identify potential weaknesses of the health system and healthcare impact of different policies. For Romania, the level (first place in the EU countries) and increasing trend of phenomenon (mainly for diseases that are treatable) should alert policy makers and politicians. Scientific evidence must accurately reflect reality and decision making process must be supported by a good understanding of the phenomenon.