Difficulties in the implementation of health policies ralated to the sustainable poverty reduction for people in Dien Bien, Kon Tum and Quang Tri in 2014

Abstract

      Background and objectives: This paper is part of the research entitled “Overview of health care policies and programs related to/on direction of sustainable poverty reduction”. This paper aims to describe difficulties and disadvantages in the implementation of health care policies at central level, focusing on the improvement of access, especially access of the poor, the near poor and ethnic minorities, to health care services and health insurance. Methods: The study used qualitative design with 30 interviews and focus group discussions conducted with 3 informant groups, including service providers (MOH and MOLISA), beneficiaries (the poor, near poor, and ethnic minorities), and stakeholders (e.g. the Commune People’s Committee, Committee of the Vietnamese Fatherland Front) in Dien Bien, Quang Tri and Kon Tum. Results: The study showed difficulties and shortcomings in implementing policies on infrastructure and human resources for health that aim to improve the poor’s access to basic health services. These difficulties include the overlap of policies and delayed allocation of national budget for policy implementation, the shortage of medical equipment, and the quality of health human resources at commune health centers… The study also provided specific recommendations for policy makers, health service providers, other stakeholders, and beneficiaries.