This program creates a policy, regulatory, and purchasing environment that facilitates expansion of the domestic private sector in publicly and privately funded health services. The components are: (a) developing a regulatory framework within the Ministry of Health (MoH) for the private sector; (b) improving private-sector standards and market organization, through group practices, franchises, and other forms of competitive organization, including corporate and organizational development of private providers as contractors; and (c) developing and institutionalizing private-sector purchasing and contracting. The Belize Medical and Dental Association (BMDA) will support the project by helping develop the regulatory framework and diffuse the provider standards and regulatory changes among its membership. Component one funds: (a) technical assistance to develop the regulatory framework and legislation; (b) start-up and evaluation costs of regulation, monitoring, and patient/consumer support; (c) training for staff and professionals in implementing the framework; and (d) dissemination and information-sharing about the regulatory framework to promote the benefits of regulation and the rights of patients/consumers. Component two funds technical assistance, training, in-job coaching support, and systems development in the areas of: (a) general medical practice as the preferred future primary care delivery mode, including the potential for general practitioners to supervise other primary care providers, especially in rural areas; (b) private specialists and diagnostic services working for public hospitals and the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH); and (c) franchising and/or "approved provider" schemes, including pharmacies and ancillary services. At least five private provider pilot contracts will be signed with the public sector. Component three funds technical assistance to develop and implement the purchasing and contracting functions within the Planning Unit of the MoH as the government begins to procure services from the private sector and as the (currently public) KHMH becomes an independent provider and subcontractor. The MIF finances a temporary Innovation Fund that will outsource innovative contracts with the private sector in high-priority service areas.
Project Detail
Country
Belize
Project Number
TC9811945
Approval Date
December 8, 1999
Project Status
Closed
Project Type
Technical Cooperation
Sector
HEALTH
Subsector
HEALTH
Lending Instrument
Multilateral Investment Fund Instrument
Lending Instrument Code
MIF
Modality
-
Facility Type
-
Environmental and Social Impact Category (ESIC)
-
Total Cost
USD 1,228,790.00
Country Counterpart Financing
USD 457,140.00
Original Amount Approved
USD 771,650.00