Public Sector
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Strengthened LGU provision and management of health services
The devolution of health services to local government units (LGUs) has left many of these LGUs ill-equipped to take on the new role of being the primary provider of basic health care services. USAID will strengthen key management and logistics systems and encourage LGU providers to focus coverage on poor patients to avoid having poor people crowded out of available public services. USAID will also strengthen systems and incentives for health managers to improve the quality of facilities and services. These all lead to greater LGU capability and accountability, both pre-requisites for long term sustainability of health service provision.
USAID supports the strengthening of existing public sector health (specifically maternal and child health, TB, HIV/ AIDS) and family planning services through partnerships with Local Government Unit (LGUs) and the Department of Health (DOH).
The Local Government Code of 1991 (RA 7160) decentralized many central government functions, making the LGUs the primary provider of basic health care services, including management and control of family planning, maternal and child health, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS Programs. However, without pre-existing capacity to fulfill their new role, LGU- managed health care systems broke down and hence, much of the basic services needed by the population were compromised.
LGUs are strengthened by improving:
(1) key management systems to sustain service delivery;
(2) financing for key community-based health programs; and
(3) performance of service providers.
Tapping existing advocacy and interest groups or creating new ones will help motivate and assist local officials in finding solutions to the systemic problems particularly on health services to the poor and indigent population. Increasing incentives and tools will ensure that LGUs will maintain greater focus on strengthening health care management in their localities.
Improving the performance of health workers, including the collection and use of data, will greatly enhance the quality of services. Ultimately, USAID's programs will help lead to LGU capability and accountability, both of which are pre-requisites for long term sustainability of family planning and other services.
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