Tanzania’s health reforms using funding schemes show promise for achieving universal health coverage, aligning with goals of strategic health purchasing. This Ifakara Health Institute Study highlights need for stronger financial autonomy for some schemes.
Tanzania’s health reforms aim for universal coverage. A recent study found their funding schemes, Results-Based Financing (RBF) and Direct Health Facility Financing through Health Basket Fund (DHFF-HBF), align with strategic health purchasing goals, promoting efficiency and service delivery. DHFF allocates funds to health facilities, while RBF rewards performance. Both involve public and private providers.
The study highlights successes: clear service packages, contractual agreements, and output-based payments. However, challenges remain. Donor dependence fragments funding and burdens reporting. DHFF faces tighter budgets, limiting flexibility for facilities.
Researchers recommend strengthening reforms. DHFF could benefit from more spending autonomy and data verification improvements. Policymakers are urged to learn from both schemes and adapt DHFF based on RBF’s design.
This research has implications for policy and future studies. It shows strategic purchasing can be flexible, with each scheme having strengths and weaknesses. Tanzania can leverage these findings to optimize its health financing and achieve universal coverage. Further research is needed to understand the schemes’ long-term impact.
