scholarly journals Strengthening the Health System as a Strategy to Achieving a Universal Health Coverage in Underprivileged Communities in Africa: A Scoping Review

2022 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 587
Author(s):  
Anelisa Jaca ◽  
Thobile Malinga ◽  
Chinwe Juliana Iwu-Jaja ◽  
Chukwudi Arnest Nnaji ◽  
Joseph Chukwudi Okeibunor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health System ◽  
Universal Health Coverage ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Financial Support ◽  
Health Financing ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Quality Healthcare ◽  
Health Infrastructure ◽  
Universal Health

Universal health coverage (UHC) is defined as people having access to quality healthcare services (e.g., treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care) they need, irrespective of their financial status. Access to quality healthcare services continues to be a challenge for many people in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The aim of this study was to conduct a scoping review to map out the health system strengthening strategies that can be used to attain universal health coverage in Africa. We conducted a scoping review and qualitatively synthesized existing evidence from studies carried out in Africa. We included studies that reported interventions to strengthen the health system, e.g., financial support, increasing work force, improving leadership capacity in health facilities, and developing and upgrading infrastructure of primary healthcare facilities. Outcome measures included health facility infrastructures, access to medicines, and sources of financial support. A total of 34 studies conducted met our inclusion criteria. Health financing and developing health infrastructure were the most reported interventions toward achieving UHC. Our results suggest that strengthening the health system, namely, through health financing, developing, and improving the health infrastructure, can play an important role in reaching UHC in the African context.

scholarly journals Towards universal health coverage: governance and organisational change in ministries of health

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
pp. e001735 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Berman ◽  
Azrina Azhar ◽  
Elizabeth J Osborn
Keyword(s):  
Health System ◽  
Universal Health Coverage ◽  
Organisational Change ◽  
Health Financing ◽  
Comparative Case Study ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Political Commitment ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
High Level ◽  
Universal Health

Countries have implemented a range of reforms in health financing and provision to advance towards universal health coverage (UHC). These reforms often change the role of a ministry of health (MOH) in traditionally unitary national health service systems. An exploratory comparative case study of four upper middle-income and high-income countries provides insights into how these reforms in pursuit of UHC are likely to affect health governance and the organisational functioning of an MOH accustomed to controlling the financing and delivery of healthcare. These reforms often do not result in simple transfers of responsibility from MOH to other actors in the health system. The resulting configuration of responsibilities and organisational changes within a health system is specific to the capacities within the health system and the sociopolitical context. Formal prescriptions that accompany reform proposals often do not fully represent what actually takes place. An MOH may retain considerable influence in financing and delivery even when reforms appear to formally shift those powers to other organisational units. MOHs have limited ability to independently achieve fundamental system restructuring in health systems that are strongly subject to public sector rules and policies. Our comparative study shows that within these constraints, MOHs can drive organisational change through four mechanisms: establishing a high-level interministerial team to provide political commitment and reduce institutional barriers; establishing an MOH ‘change team’ to lead implementation of organisational change; securing key components of systemic change through legislation; and leveraging emerging political change windows of opportunity for the introduction of health reforms.

scholarly journals Progress in the face of cuts: a qualitative Nigerian case study of maintaining progress towards universal health coverage after losing donor assistance

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Uche Shalom Obi ◽  
Osondu Ogbuoji ◽  
Wenhui Mao ◽  
Minahil Shahid ◽  
Obinna Onwujekwe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health System ◽  
Universal Health Coverage ◽  
Health Financing ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Hiv Services ◽  
Country Ownership ◽  
Road Map ◽  
External Funds ◽  
Universal Health

Abstract In the coming years, about a dozen middle-income countries are excepted to transition out of development assistance for health (DAH) based on their economic growth. This anticipated loss of external funds at a time when there is a need for accelerated progress towards universal health coverage (UHC) is a source of concern. Evaluating country readiness for transition towards country ownership of health programmes is a crucial step in making progress towards UHC. We used in-depth interviews to explore: (1) the preparedness of the Nigerian health system to transition out of DAH, (2) transition policies and strategies that are in place in Nigeria, (3) the road map for the implementation of these policies and (4) challenges and recommendations for making progress on such policies. We applied Vogus and Graff’s expanded transition readiness framework within the Nigerian context to synthesize preparedness plans, gaps, challenges and stakeholders’ recommendations for sustaining the gains of donor-funded programmes and reaching UHC. Some steps have been taken to integrate and institutionalize service delivery processes toward sustainable immunization and responsive primary healthcare in line with UHC. There are ongoing discussions on integrating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) services with other services and the possibility of covering HIV services under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). We identified more transition preparedness plans within immunization programme compared with HIV programme. However, we identified gaps in all the nine components of the framework that must be filled to be able to sustain gains and make significant progress towards country ownership and UHC. Nigeria needs to focus on building the overall health system by identifying systematic gaps instead of continuing to invest in parallel programmes. Programmes need to be consolidated within the overall health system, health financing priorities and policies. A comprehensive and functional structure will provide continuity even in the event of decreasing external funds or donor exits.

scholarly journals Towards universal health coverage for people with stroke in South Africa: a scoping review

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. e049988
Author(s):  
Sjan-Mari van Niekerk ◽  
Sureshkumar Kamalakannan ◽  
Gakeemah Inglis-Jassiem ◽  
Maria Yvonne Charumbira ◽  
Silke Fernandes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Health System ◽  
Universal Health Coverage ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Stroke Care ◽  
Government Support ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Universal Health

ObjectivesTo explore the opportunities and challenges within the health system to facilitate the achievement of universal health coverage (UHC) for people with stroke (PWS) in South Africa (SA).SettingSA.DesignScoping review.Search methodsWe conducted a scoping review of opportunities and challenges to achieve UHC for PWS in SA. Global and Africa-specific databases and grey literature were searched in July 2020. We included studies of all designs that described the healthcare system for PWS. Two frameworks, the Health Systems Dynamics Framework and WHO Framework, were used to map data on governance and regulation, resources, service delivery, context, reorientation of care and community engagement. A narrative approach was used to synthesise results.ResultsFifty-nine articles were included in the review. Over half (n=31, 52.5%) were conducted in Western Cape province and most (n=41, 69.4%) were conducted in urban areas. Studies evaluated a diverse range of health system categories and various outcomes. The most common reported component was service delivery (n=46, 77.9%), and only four studies (6.7%) evaluated governance and regulation. Service delivery factors for stroke care were frequently reported as poor and compounded by context-related limiting factors. Governance and regulations for stroke care in terms of government support, investment in policy, treatment guidelines, resource distribution and commitment to evidence-based solutions were limited. Promising supporting factors included adequately equipped and staffed urban tertiary facilities, the emergence of Stroke units, prompt assessment by health professionals, positive staff attitudes and care, two clinical care guidelines and educational and information resources being available.ConclusionThis review fills a gap in the literature by providing the range of opportunities and challenges to achieve health for all PWS in SA. It highlights some health system areas that show encouraging trends to improve service delivery including comprehensiveness, quality and perceptions of care.

scholarly journals Strengthening eHealth Systems to Support Universal Health Coverage in sub-Saharan Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adebowale Ojo ◽  
Herman Tolentino ◽  
Steven Yoon
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Universal Health Coverage ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Strategy Development ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Quality Healthcare ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Universal Health

The aim of universal health coverage (UHC) is to ensure that all individuals in a country have access to quality healthcare services and do not suffer financial hardship in using these services. However, progress toward attaining UHC has been slow, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The use of information and communication technologies for healthcare, known as eHealth, can facilitate access to quality healthcare at minimal cost. eHealth systems also provide the information needed to monitor progress toward UHC. However, in most countries, eHealth systems are sometimes non-functional and do not serve programmatic purposes. Therefore, it is crucial to implement strategies to strengthen eHealth systems to support UHC. This perspective piece proposes a conceptual framework for strengthening eHealth systems to attain UHC goals and to help guide UHC and eHealth strategy development.

scholarly journals Analyzing efforts to synergize the global health agenda of universal health coverage, health security and health promotion: a case-study from Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amare Worku Tadesse ◽  
Kassu Ketema Gurmu ◽  
Selamawit Tesfaye Kebede ◽  
Mahlet Kifle Habtemariam
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Global Health ◽  
Health System ◽  
Universal Health Coverage ◽  
World Health ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Health Security ◽  
Universal Health ◽  
Health Agenda

Abstract Background Evidence exists about synergies among universal health coverage, health security and health promotion. Uniting these three global agendas has brought success to the country’s health sector. This study aimed to document the efforts Ethiopia has made to apply nationally synergistic approaches uniting these three global health agendas. Our study is part of the Lancet Commission on synergies between these global agendas. Methods We employed a case study design to describe the synergistic process in the Ethiopian health system based on a review of national strategies and policy documents, and key informant interviews with current and former policymakers, and academics. We analyzed the “hardware” (using the World Health Organization’s building blocks) and the “software” (ideas, interests, and power relations) of the Ethiopian health system according to the aforementioned three global agendas. Results Fragmentation of health system primarily manifested as inequities in access to health services, low health workforce and limited capacity to implementation guidelines. Donor driven vertical programs, multiple modalities of health financing, and inadequate multisectoral collaborations were also found to be key features of fragmentation. Several approaches were found to be instrumental in fostering synergies within the global health agenda. These included strong political and technical leadership within the government, transparent coordination, and engagement of stakeholders in the process of priority setting and annual resource mapping. Furthermore, harmonization and alignment of the national strategic plan with international commitments, joint financial arrangements with stakeholders and standing partnership platforms facilitated efforts for synergy. Conclusions Ethiopia has implemented multiple approaches to overcome fragmentation. Such synergistic efforts of the primary global health agendas have made significant contributions to the improvement of the country’s health indicators and may promote sustained functionality of the health system.

scholarly journals Employment based health financing does not support gender equity in universal health coverage

BMJ ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. m3384 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lavanya Vijayasingham ◽  
Veloshnee Govender ◽  
Sophie Witter ◽  
Michelle Remme
Keyword(s):  
Gender Equity ◽  
Universal Health Coverage ◽  
Health Financing ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Universal Health

scholarly journals An Analysis of The National Health Insurance Policy Implementation in 2014 (Presidential Regulation No. 12 And 111/2013 on Health Insurance) from The Regulator’s Position

2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Arief Hasan ◽  
Puput Oktamianti ◽  
Dumilah Ayuningtyas
Keyword(s):  
Health Insurance ◽  
National Health Insurance ◽  
National Health ◽  
Universal Health Coverage ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Regional Government ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Road Map ◽  
Universal Health

Abstract. JKN (National Health Insurance) is a government program that aims to provide health assurance for all Indonesian citizens for a healthy, productive, and prosperous life. In the two years after JKN was implemented, various problems occurred. This research used the qualitative approach with the Edward II implementation theory. Results of the research indicated that there were problems in communication, stemming from the lack of socialization and inharmonic regulations, there was also the problem of the lack of healthcare resources. From the disposition side, the policy makers often obstructs the implementation preparation, this is evident from the information on determining the premium size. From the organization structure, all the stakeholders have been well coordinated. We conclude that we are not ready to implement the JKN. We recommend that mass and effective socialization program to be performed using various methods of communication and involve the community. To reduce the disparity of healthcare services, we recommend that the regional government to establish various healthcare facilities to accelerate health development. There should also be regulations that allocates healthcare staff in every corner of the country to achieve Universal Health Coverage in 2019, as stated in the National Health Insurance Road Map. Keywords: policy analysis, national health insurance, universal health coverage

scholarly journals Future Challenges of Nursing in Health System of Iran

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salman Barasteh ◽  
Maryam Rassouli ◽  
Mohammad Reza Karimirad ◽  
Abbas Ebadi
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Nursing Education ◽  
Health System ◽  
Universal Health Coverage ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Framework Analysis ◽  
The Future ◽  
Future Challenges ◽  
Universal Health

Purpose: Nursing development is considered as one of the most important ways to achieve the universal health coverage and sustainable development goals in different countries. Nursing in Iran has the potential to provide services at all levels of universal health coverage. Therefore, planning for nursing in Iran needs to recognize the future challenges. This study aims to explore the future challenges of nursing in the health system of Iran from the perspective of nursing experts.Methods: In this qualitative study, 11 semi-structured interviews were conducted with nursing experts by purposive sampling in 2017–2018. Interviews were recorded and transcribed and framework analysis method was used to analysis the data.Results: The results showed that a favorable future requires planning in three areas of nursing “governance challenges” including centralized nursing stewardship, policy-making and legislation, monitoring and evaluation, and cooperation and communication with other institutions, “inadequacy of professional development with social demands” including community-based nursing, nursing upgrades with disease patterns, expanding home care, expanding care centers, and use of technology, “human resource challenges “including nursing education tailored to the needs of the community, empowering nursing managers, recruiting and retaining nurses, and specialized nursing.Conclusions: A favorable future requires a coherent nursing government, professional development of nursing based on social demands, and enhancing human resources in line with the emerging needs of the future.

scholarly journals Universal Health Coverage in Bangladesh: Activities, Challenges, and Suggestions

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taufique Joarder ◽  
Tahrim Z. Chaudhury ◽  
Ishtiaq Mannan
Keyword(s):  
Health Insurance ◽  
Universal Health Coverage ◽  
Service Management ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Health Financing ◽  
Community Empowerment ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Demand Side ◽  
Implementation Barriers ◽  
Universal Health

Catastrophic health expenditure forces 5.7 million Bangladeshis into poverty. Inequity is present in most of health indicators across social, economic, and demographic parameters. This study explores the existing health policy environment and current activities to further the progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the challenges faced in these endeavors. This qualitative study involved document reviews (n=22) and key informant interviews (KII, n=15). Thematic analysis of texts (themes: activities around UHC, implementation barriers, suggestions) was done using the manual coding technique. We found that Bangladesh has a comprehensive set of policies for UHC, e.g., a health-financing strategy and staged recommendations for pooling of funds to create a national health insurance scheme and expand financial protection for health. Progress has been made in a number of areas including the roll out of the essential package of health services for all, expansion of access to primary health care services (support by donors), and the piloting of health insurance which has been piloted in three subdistricts. Political commitment for these areas is strong. However, there are barriers pertaining to the larger policy level which includes a rigid public financing structure dating from the colonial era. While others pertain to the health sector’s implementation shortfalls including issues of human resources, political interference, monitoring, and supervision, most key informants discussed demand-side barriers too, such as sociocultural disinclination, historical mistrust, and lack of empowerment. To overcome these, several policies have been recommended, e.g., redesigning the public finance structure, improving governance and regulatory mechanism, specifying code of conduct for service providers, introducing health-financing reform, and collaborating with different sectors. To address the implementation barriers, recommendations include improving service quality, strengthening overall health systems, improving health service management, and improving monitoring and supervision. Addressing demand-side barriers, such as patient education and community empowerment, is also needed. Research and advocacy are required to address crosscutting barriers such as the lack of common understanding of UHC.

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