The authors draw attention to the fact that higher spending on health care will not necessarily translate into better health. They advocate the importance of theoretical conceptual work and research in the field of health care and health services management. The needs-based approach is recommended as an alternative to the current models based on patient-physician interactions. The relationships between health needs, demands and health services provided should be further explored and their potential role as a basis for health policy in the Czech Republic should be addressed.

        Key words: health need, health care system, health policy.