Podvyaznikova M.V. The International Cooperation in the sphere of public health and the interdependence of national systems of social security rights

Abstract: In this article standards of international law on health issues are analyzed.  The author presents the link between international standards and national legal systems. It is concluded that there are several levels of international human rights standards in the area of health and medical care, specifically the minimal standards (International Labor Organization Convention No. 102) and higher standards (for instance, the European Code of Social Security of 1968). Examples are given on the minimal measures undertaken in providing medical care, as well as expanded lists of medical services offered for the states that have the economic and organizational capabilities to provie them. The research is based on a systematic method, which allowed the author to analyze and identify the relations between the international laws governing the issues of medical and pharmaceutical assistance. As a result of the research on various types of international norms (e.g. acts of international organizations and intergovernmental organizations, and international agreements) the author reveals the correlation between medical and pharmaceutical assistance, whereas the appropriate supply of necessary medicines is an integral part of healthcare. It is emphasized that only if such provision is made on a free basis one can talk about the provision of pharmaceutical care on the social security basis.The author draws the conclusion that the closest international and legal cooperation in the sphere of healthcare regulation is developing within the Commonwealth of Independent States. The examples of international acts authorized by the Russian Federation are introduced, and its influence on the existing national and legal system is demonstrated. The analysis made allows the author to conclude that to date, the Russian Federation has authorized a rather small number of international acts on healthcare, and thus does not encourage the improvement of this system.

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