Manutenção dos serviços de média e alta complexidade em contexto de alta transição de usuários: um estudo ecológico de séries temporais no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil / Maintenance of medium- and high-complexity health services in the context of high patient transition: a time series ecological study of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Resumo O estudo explora as históricas disparidades regionais na distribuição da rede de média e alta complexidade e os limites impostos para a o remanejamento dos tetos de financiamento entre o município do Rio de Janeiro e municípios limítrofes da Região Metropolitana 1. Foi realizado um estudo ecológico com dados referentes à cidade do Rio de Janeiro, escolhido por ter uma grande rede de assistência e limites com territórios vulneráveis e carentes de serviços de saúde, caracterizando um lócus representativo das situações enfrentadas em todo o país. Foi observado um decréscimo dos valores brutos das cotas programadas em todos os municípios do Rio de Janeiro a partir de 2016. A tendência temporal das cotas programadas se manteve estacionária para todos os municípios da Região Metropolitana 1, mesmo com aumentos significativos nas cotas para municípios limítrofes. A resultante sobrecarga no aporte local de recursos impede o aumento da capacidade para antecipar flutuações de demanda, tanto conhecidas quanto inesperadas, comprometendo a responsividade do sistema de saúde no que respeita seu funcionamento regular, bem como a capacidade de ajuste para lidar com eventos extraordinários, características essenciais da resiliência.

Abstract The study addresses the historical disparities in the distribution of the medium- and high-complexity health network and the limits to budget adjustments between the municipality of Rio de Janeiro and its neighboring municipalities of the Metropolitan region 1. An ecological study was conducted with data related to the municipality of Rio de Janeiro, chosen because it has a large assistance network, while located on the borders of vulnerable and underprivileged areas, characterizing a locus that is representative of the situations faced throughout the country. A decrease in the gross values of the programmed quotas in all municipalities of Rio de Janeiro was observed from 2016 onwards. The temporal trend of the programmed quotas remained stable for all municipalities in the Metropolitan Region 1, even with significant increases in the accomplished quotas for neighboring municipalities. The resulting overload in local expenditure prevents the increase of capacity to anticipate fluctuations in demand, both known and unexpected ones, compromising the responsiveness of the health system regarding its regular operation, as well as the ability to adjust to cope with extraordinary events, essential characteristics of resilience.

Planejamento e gestão municipal do financiamento do Sistema Único de Saúde: estudo de caso em uma região de saúde catarinense / Municipal planning and management of the Unified Health System financing: a case study in a health region of Santa Catarina, Brazil / Planificación y gestión municipal de la financiación del Sistema Único de Salud: estudio de caso en una región de salud catarinense

O objetivo deste artigo é compreender a percepção dos gestores municipais de saúde sobre as condições de financiamento do Sistema Único de Saúde na região oeste catarinense. Trata-se de um estudo de caso quanti-qualitativo, descritivo. Participaram gestores municipais de saúde que integravam a Comissão Intergestores Regional. A coleta de dados ocorreu por entrevista semiestruturada e com dados do Sistema de Informação de Orçamento Público em Saúde. As entrevistas foram analisadas pelo método do Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo, que resultou em duas ideias centrais: transferências intergovernamentais e planejamento e gestão de recursos municipais de saúde. Evidenciam-se as competências e esforços dos gestores municipais frente ao financiamento do Sistema Único de Saúde, as dificuldades de cooperação regional, o excesso de condicionalidades para uso dos recursos, indicando a necessidade de revisão dos instrumentos indutores da política de saúde, a necessidade de maior comprometimento financeiro do Governo Federal, e o fortalecimento de instâncias com atuação potencializadora de coordenação e cooperação dos entes federados na operacionalização das políticas. Nota-se a falta de espaço fiscal para aplicação de recursos que contribuam para a retomada da atividade econômica e uma nova agenda de financiamento. As principais dificuldades estão relacionadas ao excesso de condicionalidades e à desconsideração das necessidades da região no empenho de recursos públicos.

This study sought to understand the perception of municipal health managers on Unified Health System financing in western Santa Catarina, Brazil. A quantitative and qualitative descriptive case study was conducted with municipal health managers who made up the Regional Interagency Committee. Data were collected by semi-structured interviews and from the Public Health Budget Information System. The interviews were analyzed using the Discourse of the Collective Subject, which resulted in two central ideas: intergovernmental transfers and municipal health resources planning and management. Results highlight municipal managers' skills and efforts regarding Unified Health System funding, the difficulties of regional cooperation, and the excessive conditions for the use of resources. This points to the need to review health policy instruments, the need for greater financial commitment by the federal government, and strengthening bodies that may enhance coordination and cooperation between states in operationalizing policies. There is a lack of fiscal space for resource application that contributes to the resumption of economic activity and a new funding agenda. The main difficulties are related to excessive conditions and the disregard towards the needs of the region regarding public resources allocation.

El objetivo de este estudio es comprender la percepción de los gestores municipales de salud sobre las condiciones de financiación del Sistema Único de Salud (SUS) en la región oeste de Santa Catarina (Brasil). Se trata de un estudio de caso descriptivo cuantitativo y cualitativo. Participaron los gestores municipales de salud que formaron parte de la Comisión Interinstitucional Regional. La recolección de datos ocurrió por entrevistas semiestructuradas y con datos del Sistema de Información del Presupuesto de Salud Pública. Para el análisis de las entrevistas se utilizó el método del Discurso del Sujeto Colectivo, lo que resultó en dos ideas centrales: las transferencias intergubernamentales y la planificación y gestión de los recursos sanitarios municipales. Se evidencian las habilidades y esfuerzos de los gestores municipales con relación al financiamiento del SUS, las dificultades de la cooperación regional, el exceso de condicionalidades para el uso de los recursos, lo que indica la necesidad de revisar los instrumentos que inducen la política de salud, la necesidad de mayor compromiso financiero del gobierno federal, y el fortalecimiento de instancias con acción potenciadora de coordinación y cooperación de las entidades federativas en la puesta en operación de las políticas. Falta espacio fiscal para aplicar los recursos que contribuyan a la reanudación de la actividad económica y una nueva agenda de financiamiento. Las principales dificultades están relacionadas con el exceso de condicionalidades y el desconocimiento de las necesidades de la región en el compromiso de los recursos públicos.

Health financing policy responses to the COVID-19 pandemic: a review of the first stages in the WHO South-East Asia Region.

COVID-19 imposed unprecedented financing requirements on countries to rapidly implement effective prevention and control measures while dealing with severe economic contraction. The challenges were particularly acute for the 11 countries in the WHO South-East Asia Region (SEAR), home to the lowest average level of public expenditure on health of all WHO regions. We conducted a narrative review of peer-reviewed, grey literature and publicly available sources to analyse the immediate health financing policies adopted by countries in the WHO SEAR in response to COVID-19 in the first 12 months of the pandemic, i.e. from 1 March 2020 to 1 March 2021. Our review focused on the readiness of health systems to address the financial challenges of COVID-19 in terms of revenue generation, financial protection and strategic purchasing including public financial management issues. Twenty peer-reviewed articles were included, and web searches identified media articles (n = 21), policy reports (n = 18) and blog entries (n = 5) from reputable sources. We found that countries in the SEAR demonstrated great flexibility in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, including exploring various options for revenue raising, removing financial barriers to care and rapidly adapting purchasing arrangements. At the same time, the pandemic exposed pre-existing health financing policy weaknesses such as underinvestment, inadequate regulatory capacity of the private health sector and passive purchasing, which should give countries an impetus for reform towards more resilient health systems. Further monitoring and evaluation are needed to assess the long-term implications of policy responses on issues such as government capacity for debt servicing and fiscal space for health and how they protect progress towards the objectives of universal health coverage.

Financiamento da saúde e dependência fiscal dos municípios brasileiros entre 2004 e 2019 / Financing of health and the fiscal dependency of Brazilian municipalities between 2004 and 2019

Resumo Este artigo descreve a evolução do financiamento municipal do Sistema Único de Saúde, de 2004 a 2019, considerando receitas e despesas de fontes próprias e não-próprias, analisa a redistribuição fiscal, de acordo com o porte populacional e a renda média domiciliar, e compara essa evolução em dois períodos, caracterizados como de crescimento econômico (2004-2014) e de recessão (2015-2019). O estudo se baseou em dados do Sistema de Informações sobre Orçamentos Públicos em Saúde. Constatou-se crescimento real dos gastos municipais em saúde de 2004 a 2014 (156,3%), com queda entre 2014 e 2015, seguida de recuperação até 2019. Na recessão, detectou-se aumento global da dependência fiscal dos municípios, indicada pelo aumento de receitas não-próprias, mesmo com a diminuição da participação da União nas transferências. O crescimento das despesas próprias em saúde foi menor entre os municípios de menor renda domiciliar, enquanto para as despesas não-próprias foi maior nos municípios de menor porte populacional. Em suma, indica-se um processo de incremento dos gastos municipais em saúde, assim como o aumento da dependência fiscal para custeio da saúde, intensificado após a crise de 2015, que atingiu especialmente os municípios de pequeno porte e de menor renda domiciliar.

Abstract This article describes the evolution of municipal financing of the Unified Health System, from 2004 to 2019, considering revenues and expenses from own and non-own sources, analyzes fiscal redistribution, according to population size and average household income, and compares this evolution in two periods, characterized as economic growth (2004-2014) and recession (2015-2019). The study was based on data from the Information System on Public Health Budgets. There was real growth in municipal spending on health from 2004 to 2014 (156.3%), with a drop between 2014 and 2015, followed by a recovery between 2015 and 2019. During the recession period, there was an overall increase in the fiscal dependence of municipalities, indicated by the increase in non-own revenues, even with the decrease in the Federal Government participation in transfers. The growth of own health expenses was lower among municipalities with lower household income, while for non-own expenses it was higher in municipalities with a smaller population size. In short, the results indicate a process of increasing municipal spending on health, as well as the increased fiscal dependence of municipalities to fund health, intensified after the 2015 crisis, which especially affected small and lower income municipalities.

Is the healthcare provision in the Netherlands compliant with universal health coverage based on the right to health? A narrative literature review.

Universal health coverage, as one of the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals, is the access to key promotive, preventive, curative and rehabilitative health interventions for all at an affordable cost. It is a practical expression of the concern for health equity and the right to health, and a goal for all countries. This review is a novel attempt to explore the healthcare provision in the Netherlands as an expression of universal health coverage based on the right to health.The study adopted a narrative review approach using a framework that consists of 10 universal health coverage indicators which are derived from seven human rights principles. The techno-economic approach to healthcare provision by the Dutch state achieves a healthcare system where most of the population is covered for most of the services for most of the costs. The Dutch state complies with its minimum core obligations, while less attention is paid to participatory decision making and non-discrimination principles. However, with the fiscal sustainability of healthcare provision showing erosion, basing healthcare policy on values based on human rights principles might prevent a regressive policy.

Can Asia provide models for tax-based European health systems? A comparative study of Singapore and Sweden.

Singapore's health system generates similar levels of health outcomes as does Sweden's but for only 4.4% rather than 11.0% of gross domestic product, with Singapore's resulting health sector savings being re-directed to help fund both long-term care and retirement pensions for its elderly citizens. This paper contrasts the framework of financial risk-sharing and the configuration and management of health service providers in these two high-income, small-population countries. Two main institutional distinctions emerge from this country case comparison: (1) Key differences exist in the practical configuration of solidarity for payment of health care services, reflecting differing cultural roots and social expectations, which in turn carry substantial implications for financing long-term care and pensions. (2) Differing arrangements exist in the organization of health service institutions, in particular balancing public as against private sector responsibilities for owning, operating and managing these two countries' respective hospitals. These different structural characteristics generate fundamental differences in health sector financial and delivery outcomes in one developed country in Far East Asia as compared with a well-respected tax-funded health system in Western Europe. In the post-COVID era, as Western European policymakers find themselves forced to adjust their publicly funded health systems to (further) reductions in economic growth rates and overall tax receipts, and as the cost of the information revolution continues to rise while efforts to fund better coordinated social and home care services for growing numbers of chronically ill elderly remain inadequate, this two-country case comparison highlights a series of health system design questions that could potentially provide alternative health sector financing and service delivery strategies.

Comparing oral health systems for children in six European countries to identify lessons learned for universal oral health coverage: A study protocol.

Background: Oral diseases have the highest global prevalence rate among all diseases, with dental caries being one of the most common conditions in childhood. A low political priority coupled with a failure to incorporate oral health within broader health systems has contributed to its neglect in previous decades. In response, calls are emerging for the inclusion of oral health within the universal healthcare domain (UHC). This protocol outlines the methodology for a cross-country comparative analysis of publicly funded oral health systems for children across six European countries, reporting on oral health status in line with the indicators for UHC. Methods: This study will follow Yin's multiple case study approach and employ two strands of data collection, analysis, and triangulation: a systematic documentary analysis and semi-structured interviews with elite participants local to each country. The countries chosen for comparison and providing a representative sample of European dental systems are Denmark, Hungary, the Republic of Ireland, Germany, Scotland, and Spain. A systematic search of five electronic databases and four additional electronic resources will be undertaken, in addition to grey literature and other publicly available sources, with the outcomes verified and further informed by local experts. The WHO Universal Health Coverage Cube will be used to guide data collection and analysis. Conclusions: This research will provide policy makers with an in-depth analysis and comparison of publicly funded oral health systems for children in Europe, including consideration of effective preventive strategies, oral health system reform, and indicators of universal oral health coverage. It is anticipated that the outcomes may help in positioning oral health on governmental health agendas and support its integration into wider health systems' reform in an accessible and affordable manner.

Dinâmica do capitalismo financeirizado e o sistema de saúde no Brasil: reflexões sob as sombras da pandemia de COVID-19 / The dynamics of financialized capitalism and the Brazilian health system: reflections in the shadows of the COVID-19 pandemic / Dinámica del capitalismo financiarizado y el sistema de salud en Brasil: reflexiones bajo las sombras de la pandemia de COVID-19

A pandemia de COVID-19 no Brasil explicitou a importância do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) e as limitações do sistema de saúde vigente no país, composto pelos setores público e privado, no contexto do capitalismo financeirizado em que instabilidades e crises típicas são estruturalmente determinadas. Nesse sentido, o artigo discute o sistema de saúde no Brasil sob a égide do capitalismo financeirizado e à luz da pandemia de COVID-19. Sustenta-se que a financeirização enquanto padrão sistêmico de riqueza potencializa processo de coisificação das relações socioeconômicas que é imanente a esse sistema, tornando indispensável o provimento dos serviços de saúde pelo Estado.

The COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil has highlighted the importance of the Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS) and the limitations of the country's prevailing health system, consisting of the public and private sectors, in the context of financialized capitalism in which typical instabilities and crises are structurally determined. The article discusses the Brazilian health system under the aegis of financialized capitalism and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The article contends that financialization as a systemic pattern of wealth increases the process of commodification of socioeconomic relations which is inherent to this system, making the State's provision of health services indispensable.

La pandemia de COVID-19 en Brasil explicitó la importancia del Sistema Único de Salud (SUS) y las limitaciones del sistema de salud vigente en el país, compuesto por los sectores público y privado, en el contexto del capitalismo financiarizado, donde las inestabilidades y crisis típicas están determinadas estructuralmente. En ese sentido, el artículo discute el sistema de salud en Brasil bajo la égida del capitalismo financiarizado y a la luz de la pandemia de COVID-19. Se sostiene que la financiarización, como patrón sistémico de riqueza, potencia el proceso de cosificación de las relaciones socioeconómicas que es inmanente a este sistema, convirtiendo en indispensable la provisión de los servicios de salud por parte del Estado.

Factors that influence specialist physician preferences for fee-for-service and salary-based payment models: A qualitative study.

Most physicians across the world are paid through fee-for-service. However, there is increased interest in alternative payment models such as salary, capitation, episode-based payment, pay-for-performance, and strategic blends of these models. Such models may be more aligned with broad health policy goals such as fiscal sustainability, delivery of high-quality care, and physician and patient well-being. Despite this, there is limited research on physicians' preferences for different models and a disproportionate focus on differences in income over other issues such as physician autonomy and purpose. Using qualitative interviews with 32 specialist physicians in Alberta, Canada, we examined factors that influence preferences for fee-for-service (FFS) and salary-based payment models. Our findings suggest that a series of factors relating to (1) physician characteristics, (2) payment model characteristics, and (3) professional interests influence preferences. Within these themes, flexibility, autonomy, and compatibility with academic roles were highlighted. To encourage physicians to select a specific payment model, the model must appeal to them in terms of income potential as well as non-monetary values. These findings can support constructive discussions about the merits of different payment models and can assist policy makers in considering the impact of payment reform.

The impact of economic recessions on health workers: a systematic review and best-fit framework synthesis of the evidence from the last 50 years.

Economic crises carry a substantial impact on population health and health systems, but little is known on how these transmit to health workers (HWs). Addressing such a gap is timely as HWs are pivotal resources, particularly during pandemics or the ensuing recessions. Drawing from the empirical literature, we aimed to provide a framework for understanding the impact of recessions on HWs and their reactions. We use a systematic review and best-fit framework synthesis approach to identify the relevant qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods evidence, and refine an a priori, theory-based conceptual framework. Eight relevant databases were searched, and four reviewers employed to independently review full texts, extract data and appraise the quality of the evidence retrieved. A total of 57 peer-reviewed publications were included, referring to six economic recessions. The 2010-15 Great Recession in Europe was the subject of most (52%) of the papers. Our consolidated framework suggests that recessions transmit to HWs through three channels: (1) an increase in the demand for services; (2) the impacts of austerity measures; and (3) changes in the health labour market. Some of the evidence appeared specific to the context of crises; demand for health services and employment increased during economic recessions in North America and Oceania, but stagnated or declined in Europe in connection with the austerity measures adopted. Burn-out, lay-offs, migration and multiple jobholding were the reactions observed in Europe, but job opportunities never dwindled for physicians during recessions in North America, with nurses re-entering labour markets during such crises. Loss of motivation, absenteeism and abuse of health systems were documented during recessions in low-income countries. Although the impacts of recessions may vary across economic events, health systems, labour markets and policy responses, our review and framework provide an evidence base for policies to mitigate the effects on HWs.

Understanding the Role of Values in Health Policy Decision-Making From the Perspective of Policy-Makers and Stakeholders: A Multiple-Case Embedded Study in Chile and Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Chile and Colombia are examples of Latin American countries with health systems shaped by similar values. Recently, both countries have crafted policies to regulate the participation of private for-profit insurance companies in their health systems, but through very different mechanisms. This study asks: what values are important in the decision-making processes that crafted these policies? And how and why are they used? METHODS: An embedded multiple-case study design was carried out for 2 specific decisions in each country: (1) in Chile, the development of the Universal Plan of Explicit Entitlements -AUGE/GES - and mandating universal coverage of treatments for high-cost diseases; and (2) in Colombia, the declaration of health as a fundamental right and a mechanism to explicitly exclude technologies that cannot be publicly funded. We interviewed key informants involved in one or more of the decisions and/or in the policy analysis and development process that contributed to the eventual decision. The data analysis involved a constant comparative approach and thematic analysis for each case study. RESULTS: From the 40 individuals who were invited, 28 key informants participated. A tension between 2 important values was identified for each decision (eg, solidarity vs. individualism for the AUGE/GES plan in Chile; human dignity vs. sustainability for the declaration of the right to health in Colombia). Policy-makers used values in the decisionmaking process to frame problems in meaningful ways, to guide policy development, as a pragmatic instrument to make decisions, and as a way to legitimize decisions. In Chile, values such as individualism and free choice were incorporated in decision-making because attaining private health insurance was seen as an indicator of improved personal economic status. In Colombia, human dignity was incorporated as the core value because the Constitutional Court asserted its importance in its use of judicial activism as a check on the power of the executive and legislative branches. CONCLUSION: There is an opportunity to open further exploration of the role of values in different health decisions, political sectors besides health, and even other jurisdictions.

Novo financiamento para uma nova Atenção Primária à Saúde no Brasil / New funding for a new Brazilian Primary Health Care

Resumo O objetivo desse artigo é apresentar um debate sobre a nova política de financiamento para Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS) no Brasil. Para desenvolvimento do método de pagamento foi realizado consulta da literatura nacional e internacional, além do envolvimento de gestores municipais, estaduais e federais da APS. O modelo final proposto é baseado em Capitação ponderada; Pagamento por desempenho; Incentivo para Ações Estratégicas. A capitação é ponderada por vulnerabilidade socioeconômica, aspectos demográficos e ajuste municipal, o pagamento por desempenho composto por um conjunto total de 21 indicadores e incentivos a ações estratégicas foi possível a partir da manutenção de alguns programas específicos. Os resultados das simulações apontaram para um baixo cadastro (90 milhões de brasileiros) para a cobertura estimada atual (148.674.300 milhões de brasileiros). Além disso, demonstraram um incremento imediato de recursos financeiros para 4.200 municípios brasileiros. Observa-se que a proposta do financiamento traz a APS brasileira para o século XXI, aponta para o fortalecimento dos atributos da APS e torna concreto os princípios de universalidade e equidade do Sistema Único de Saúde.

Abstract This paper aims to present a debate on the new Brazilian Primary Health Care (PHC) funding policy. We consulted the national and international literature, and we involved municipal, state, and federal PHC managers to develop the payment method. The proposed final model is based on weighted capitation, payment-for-performance, and incentive for strategic actions. Capitation is weighted by the socioeconomic vulnerability, demographic aspects, and municipal adjustment, the payment-for-performance consists of an entire set of 21 indicators, and incentives for strategic actions were facilitated from the maintenance of some specific programs. The results of the simulations pointed to low registration (90 million Brazilians) for the currently estimated coverage (148,674,300 Brazilians). Moreover, they showed an immediate increase in financial resources for 4,200 Brazilian municipalities. We observed that the funding proposal brings Brazilian PHC into the 21st century, points to the strengthening of PHC attributes, and materializes the principles of universality and equity of the Unified Health System.

The impact of out-of-pocket health expenditure on household impoverishment: Evidence from Morocco.

Health financing in Morocco relies mainly on out-of-pocket (OoP) payments. World Health Organization (WHO) has shown that these payments can expose households to catastrophic health expenditure (hereinafter CHE) and impoverish them. The study examines the financial burden of OoP health payments on Moroccan households. Two approaches-that developed by Wagstaff and Doeslear and the one advocated by WHO-are adopted to estimate the extent of CHE. These show that 1.77% of households incurred CHE at the 40% threshold for nonfood expenditure. At the 10% threshold for total consumption expenditure, 12.8% of households incurred CHE. We find that these OoP payments have made 1.11% of Moroccan households poorer. In analyzing the determinants of CHE, we estimated an ordered probit model. It appears that any of (a) hospitalization, (b) presence of an elderly person in the household, or (c) the level of poverty increases significantly the likelihood of health expenditure becoming catastrophic. On the other hand, we find that coverage by health insurance protects against CHE.

Mortality associated with alternative primary healthcare policies: a nationwide microsimulation modelling study in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Brazil's Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF) is one of the largest and most robustly evaluated primary healthcare programmes of the world, but it could be affected by fiscal austerity measures and by the possible end of the Mais Médicos programme (MMP)-a major intervention to increase primary care doctors in underserved areas. We forecast the impact of alternative scenarios of ESF coverage changes on under-70 mortality from ambulatory care-sensitive conditions (ACSCs) until 2030, the date for achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). METHOD: A synthetic cohort of 5507 Brazilian municipalities was created for the period 2017-2030. A municipal-level microsimulation model was developed and validated using longitudinal data and estimates from a previous retrospective study evaluating the effects of municipal ESF coverage on mortality rates. Reductions in ESF coverage, and its effects on ACSC mortality, were forecast based on two probable austerity scenarios, compared with the maintenance of the current coverage or the expansion to 100%. Fixed effects longitudinal regression models were employed to account for secular trends, demographic and socioeconomic changes, healthcare-related variables, and programme duration effects. RESULTS: Under austerity scenarios of decreasing ESF coverage with and without the MMP termination, mean ACSC mortality rates would be 8.60% (95% CI 7.03-10.21%; 48,546 excess premature/under-70 deaths along 2017-2030) and 5.80% (95% CI 4.23-7.35%; 27,685 excess premature deaths) higher respectively in 2030 compared to maintaining the current ESF coverage. Comparing decreasing ESF coverage and MMP termination with achieving 100% ESF coverage (Universal Health Coverage scenario) in 2030, mortality rates would be 11.12% higher (95% CI 9.47-12.76%; 83,937 premature deaths). Reductions in ESF coverage would have stronger effects on mortality from infectious diseases and nutritional deficiencies and would disproportionately impact poorer municipalities, with the concentration index for ACSC mortality 11.77% higher (95% CI 0.31-22.32%) and also ending historical declines in racial health inequalities between white and black/pardo Brazilians. CONCLUSIONS: Reductions in primary healthcare coverage due to austerity measures are likely to be responsible for many avoidable deaths and may preclude achievement of SDGs for health and inequality in Brazil and in other low- and middle-income countries.

Foreign aid, Cashgate and trusting relationships amongst stakeholders: key factors contributing to (mal) functioning of the Malawian health system.

Malawi has a long history of receiving foreign aid, both monetary and technical support, for its health and other services provision. In the past two decades, foreign aid has increased, with the aim of the country being able to achieve its Millennium Development Goals by the end of 2015. It is currently moving towards achieving the sustainable development goals. Despite increased donor support, progress in the Malawian health service has remained very slow. This article discusses how trusting relationships amongst the stakeholders is vital in proper financial management, including of foreign aid and effective functioning of the health system in Malawi. This article is based on a qualitative study, using a range of research approaches: the in-depth case study of foreign aid funded Maternal and Child Health (MCH) projects (n = 4); Key Informant Interviews (n = 20) and reviews of policy documents to explore the issues around foreign aid and MCH services in Malawi. During the study period 2014-16, the country continued to face significant financial and other resource management challenges. The study has identified key factors, notably the issue of financial mismanagement, particularly Cashgate, news of which broke in 2013. This scandal has resulted in a great deal of mistrust amongst key stakeholders in health. The concomitant deterioration of working relationships has had a major impact on the health system resulting in further mal-distribution of resources and programme duplications. After highlighting key issues around foreign aid, Cashgate and trusting relationships amongst stakeholders, this article makes policy suggestions, with the aim of assisting donors and external development partners to better understand Malawian socio-political networks and relationships amongst key stakeholders. This understanding will help all those involved in the effective financial management and dispersal of foreign aid.

Health status and health systems financing in the MENA region: roadmap to universal health coverage.

BACKGROUND: Since the declaration of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in 1990, many countries of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region made some improvements in maternal and child health and in tackling communicable diseases. The transition to the global agenda of Sustainable Development Goals brings new opportunities for countries to move forward toward achieving progress for better health, well-being, and universal health coverage. This study provides a profile of health status and health financing approaches in the MENA region and their implications on universal health coverage. METHODS: Time-series data on socioeconomics, health expenditures, and health outcomes were extracted from databases and reports of the World Health Organization, the World Bank and the United Nations Development Program and analyzed using Stata 12 statistical software. Countries were grouped according to the World Bank income categories. Descriptive statistics, tables and charts were used to analyze temporal changes and compare the key variables with global averages. RESULTS: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and injuries account for more than three quarters of the disability-adjusted life years in all but two lower middle-income countries (Sudan and Yemen). Prevalence of risk factors (raised blood glucose, raised blood pressure, obesity and smoking) is higher than global averages and counterparts by income group. Total health expenditure (THE) per capita in most of the countries falls short of global averages for countries under similar income category. Furthermore, growth rate of THE per capita has not kept pace with the growth rate of GDP per capita. Out-of-pocket spending (OOPS) in all but the high-income countries in the group exceeds the threshold for catastrophic spending implying that there is a high risk of households getting poorer as a result of paying for health care. CONCLUSION: The alarmingly high prevalence of NCDs and injuries and associated risk factors, health spending falling short of the GDP and GDP growth rate, and high OOPS pose serious challenges for universal health coverage. Using multi-sector interventions, countries should develop and implement evidence-informed health system financing roadmaps to address these obstacles and move forward toward universal health coverage.

Analysis of the policymaking process in Burkina Faso's health sector: case studies of the creation of two health system support units.

BACKGROUND: Burkina Faso has made a number of health system policy decisions to improve performance on health indicators and strengthen responsiveness to health-related challenges. These included the creation of a General Directorate of Health Information and Statistics (DGISS) and a technical unit to coordinate performance-based financing (CT-FBR). We analysed the policymaking processes associated with the establishment of these units, and documented the factors that influenced this process. METHOD: We used a multiple-case study design based on Kingdon's agenda-setting model to investigate the DGISS and CT-FBR policymaking processes. Data were collected from interviews with key informants (n = 28), published literature, policy documents (including two strategic and 230 action plans), and 55 legal/regulatory texts. Interviews were analysed using thematic qualitative analysis. Data from the documentary analysis were triangulated with the qualitative interview data. RESULTS: Key factors influencing the policymaking processes associated with the two units involved the 'problem' (problem identification), 'policy' (formation of policy proposals), and 'politics' (political climate/change) streams, which came together in a way that resulted in proposals being placed on the decision agenda. A number of problems with Burkina Faso's health information and financing systems were identified. Policy proposals for the DGISS and CT-FBR units were developed in response to these problems, emerging from several sources including development partners. Changes in political and public service administrations (specifically the 2008 appointment of a new Minister of Health and the establishment of a new budget allocation system), with corresponding changes in the actors and interests involved, appeared key in elevating the proposals to the decision agenda. CONCLUSIONS: Efforts to improve performance on health indicators and strengthen responsiveness to health-related challenges need focus on the need for a compelling problem, a viable policy, and conducive politics in order to make it to the decision agenda.

Financial hardship on the path to Universal Health Coverage in the Gulf States.

BACKGROUND: Countries globally are pursuing universal health coverage to ensure better healthcare for their populations and prevent households from catastrophic expenditure. The countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have and continue to implement reforms to strengthen their health systems. A common theme between the countries is their pursuit of universal health coverage to provide access to necessary health care without exposing people to financial hardship. METHODS: Using nationally representative data from the Global Findex study, we sought to analyze the hardship faced by individuals from four high-income countries in the GCC. We estimated the weighted proportion of individuals borrowing for medical reasons and those who are not able to obtain emergency funds. We further examined variations in these outcomes by key socioeconomic factors. RESULTS: We found up to 11% of respondents borrowed money for medical purposes, double of that reported in other high-income countries. In contrast to affluent respondents, we found that respondents from deprived background were more likely to borrow money for medical purposes (adjusted odds ratio: 1.81, P<0.001) and expected to fail in obtaining emergency funds (adjusted odds ratio: 4.03, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: In moving forward with their reforms, GCC countries should adopt a financing strategy that addresses the health needs of poorer groups in their pursuit of universal health coverage.