For over a decade, the Republic of Guinea has been, with Benin, the champion of the Bamako Initiative in Francophone Sub-Saharan Africa. In October 1999, though, the Ministry of Health (MOH) of the Republic of Guinea created a new definition of its minimum package of activities. This led a few months later to the adoption of a modernized version of the primary health care interventions to be used in the country. The Guinean MOH considered integrating new health interventions and reinforcing the referral system. This has prompted a more careful look at the financial implications of the new package. By applying Management Sciences for Health's (MSH's) Cost and Revenue Analysis Tool (CORE) to the new package and structure of services, the Guinean MOH was able to determine the relative cost-effectiveness of every service performed at the health center level and below and to decide which profitable services could be used to subsidize unprofitable services. This presentation shows how the application of CORE can test the financial viability of a minimum package of activities before its implementation. This exercise can contribute to an increase in operating efficiency, the elimination of unnecessary costs, improved budgeting, the development of efficient standard of practice, increased staff utilization, improved cost recovery, and enhanced sustainability through well-planned expansion.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, participants will be able to: 1. Build their own definition of the Minimum Package of Activities 2. Articulate the economic approach to defining the Minimum Package of Activities 3. List at least five determinants to the financial sustainability of a basic health structure 4. Recognize the multiple benefits of applying a Cost and Revenue Analysis Tool, such as CORE, to test the viability of a minimum package of activities before its implementation in the field
Keywords: Financing, Primary Care
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Management Sciences for Health
Ministry of Health from the Republic of Guinea
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employment with MSH