UHC: Considerations in Designing Medicines Benefits Policies and Programs workshop

Thoughts & Lessons learnt: Malawi participants

September 30

Presentation outline

• Current situation• Lessons learnt• Next steps

Current situation

• Free health care services at all public health facilities

• Malawi has– an essential health package– Health Sector Strategic plan 2011 -2015– National Medicines policies (final draft)– Essential Medicines List and Standard Treatment

Guidelines ( final stage of revision)

Lessons learnt…I

• Increasing recognition for UHC • UHC is beyond physical access, financial and

therapeutic considerations are key• UHC requires multi-stakeholder approach

beyond MoH• Medicines account for a substantial

proportion of health expenditure

Lessons learnt…II

• HMIS and LMIS data are critical for decision making in designing medicines benefits policies and programs

• UHC is the hallmark of a well functioning health system

• UHC is not all about increased resource allocation but holistic approach to increase efficiency in the health sector

Next steps

• Share lessons learnt with MoH senior management and colleagues

• Align existing health programs with UHC and medicines benefits concept

• Incorporate UHC concept into strategies and policies

• Stimulate discussions and partnerships for UHC and medicines benefits program