PA HEALTH PILOT

The project supports the GOP's health sector strategy aimed at improving the health status of the Panamanian population. To achieve this goal, the GOP has developed a health sector reform program that will increase overall efficiency and effectiveness of the health system, while at the same time achieving equity of access and utilization of health services across all population groups, particularly the poor. The reform program was launched on a pilot basis in the San Miguelito Health Region (SMHR) (to be supported by the project). Piloting the reform before extending it nationwide would allow the GOP and the Bank to understand and manage the individual and institutional behavioral changes the reform process entails. Likewise, it will enable experimentation of new techniques and instruments, and consensus-building among critical stakeholders before moving ahead. The piloting of a new model to provide, organize and finance health services in the SMHR is expected to:a) Increase access and facilitate utilization of health services, particularly by the poor, through the: (i) development and implementation of a user identification system/card; (ii) development and implementation of new community participatory mechanisms; (iii) implementation of a cost-compensation system between the MOH and the CSS; and (iv) development of a cost-recovery scheme according to family income.b) Improve the efficiency of health expenditures through the: (i) development of a corporate agreement between the MOH and CSS integrating both institutions in key strategic areas;(ii) development and implementation of a health services purchasing function;(iii) implementation of a new management option for the new San Miguelito Hospital;(iv) implementation of a new primary health care model; and (v) development and implementation of new management techniques and information systems at the MOH central, regional and provider levels.c) Carry out institutional strengthening activities at the MOH central level to implement the pilot in the SMHR, and initiate preparation activities to scale up the reform to other Health Regions.