Health Decentralization in East Asia: Some Lessons from Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam

Samuel Lieberman, Joseph Capuno and Hoang Van Minh
Additional contact information
Samuel Lieberman: WB-Vietnam
Hoang Van Minh: Hanoi Medical School

No 200408, UP School of Economics Discussion Papers from University of the Philippines School of Economics

Abstract: This paper examines decentralization experiences in Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam during the last 18 years (1985-2003). The analysis suggests that decentralization dividends so far have been modest and concentrated in some areas in the country. This is partly macroeconomic and political context in which decentralization was introduced. More importantly, however, current arrangements within the health sector have not worked well as hoped, including ensuring access for the poor to quality health services. To improve the gains, a stewardship role for the MOH is suggested. In this role, the MOH would focus on critical health functions, namely: communicable disease surveillance and control; standard setting and quality assurance for devolved health services; and pharmaceuticals; ensuring access of the poor to health services; and, sustaining health financing.

Pages: 38 pages
Date: 2004-08
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

Published as UPSE Discussion Paper No. 2004-08, August 2004

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:phs:dpaper:200408

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