PHA-Exch> Funding for primary health care in developing countries

[Sheriff, Ismat]

Although Decentralization by Devolution (DbyD) has attempted to put more power in the hands of local communities in Tanzania, the system is not yet effectively functioning. Time and time again examples have shown that district officials exclude local communities from decision-making bodies, health boards and committees that are supposed to meet monthly often do not meet, and local leaders/communities are rarely aware of their rights to be making decisions under DbyD. The system is a good one but still young - putting resources may strengthen it but it may also lead to gross misadministration. Something to think about...


~Ismat~

 

Ismat Dewji Sheriff

Health Equity Programme Coordinator

CARE TANZANIA

________________________________

From: pha-exchange-bounces at phm.kabissa.org [mailto:pha-exchange-bounces at phm.kabissa.org] On Behalf Of Beatus K. Leon
Sent: Tuesday, March 11, 2008 3:18 PM
To: Claudio Schuftan; pha-exchange at phm.kabissa.org
Subject: Re: PHA-Exch> Funding for primary health care in developing countries

 

This is a brilliant idea! I wouldn't however advocate for the 15% to go to a central government common fund, but rather to support local communities' capacity to manage and control issues related to their health. Primary Care in Tanzania is largely decentralized, and this appears to work well, given the vast geographical size and limitations in transport and communication infrastructure. Local Communities (through their health committees from village to district level) participate in the planning and prioritization of their health care needs, using policy guidelines from the Ministry of Health which also oversees quality issues. However, the greatest limitation is always scarcity of resources (human resources, finances, equipment etc). Of all the limitations, the human resource crisis is currently the most crippling.

 

The idea in general about supporting the health system is brilliant, and I'm in full agreement with it. If there is anything I can do to put more strength in the movement to make 15by2015 a success, I am ready. 



Dr Beatus Kiraiya Leon,
506 Carmarthen House,
University Hospital of Wales,
Heath Park, Cardiff, CF 14 4XW
cellphone: +44 7880 513 215
E-mail: LeonBK at cardiff.ac.uk, beatusleon at yahoo.co.uk.

  

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