Developing Healthcare Systems

Abstract

You work for a development NGO abroad. You are called by a Government official to help to set up a functioning healthcare system in a Sub-Saharan country with a difficult recent history. The case revolves around examining healthcare systems (HCS) and using this knowledge to come up with some ideas of what to implement in this country. You first examine details of the incumbent country’s system. The prompts examine different types of HCS and their goals as set out by the WHO. The case goes on to discuss necessary structural components of an HCS. You have another meeting with the minister who gives you ideas on what he would like in the HCS. Themes of political interference in HCS are explored as well as private vs public cover and equity vs efficiency arguments. Further prompts examine costs and evaluation of HCS. The story evolves to focus on improving primary care with relevant prompts. It also explores health care professionals in developing countries and the difficulty retaining them. The case finishes with a study on Cuba as a developing country that has gone against the odds to have a well functioning healthcare system