Amid the backdrop of the Seventh Annual Health Financing Forum, The article delves into the imperative for increased government investment in health in the post-COVID era. Despite this call to action, fiscal constraints and economic challenges pose significant hurdles to achieving this goal. In light of these constraints, the article explores the concept of disinvestment in low-priority and low-impact healthcare services as a potential solution to redirect resources towards higher-priority areas, such as achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Drawing insights from documented examples in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), the article evaluates the efficacy of disinvestment initiatives and identifies key factors influencing their success or failure. It highlights the complexities and challenges associated with healthcare disinvestment, emphasizing the importance of aligning disinvestment strategies with contextual factors such as political will, available resources, and the specific objectives of the initiative. The article concludes with recommendations for decision-makers, emphasizing the need for strategic planning, pilot initiatives, rigorous evaluation, and long-term investment in priority-setting institutions to navigate the complexities of healthcare disinvestment effectively.
