Corruption in the health sector

[Guest guest]

Dear Netrum friends,

Corruption in the health sector is a critical problem in developing and transitional economies where government resources are already scarce. In Central Europe, 81% of survey respondents reported the need to offer gifts to doctors in order to receive treatment, while procurement kickbacks and absenteeism are frequent problems in Latin American hospitals. This paper describes important areas of vulnerability to corruption within the health sector and identifies approaches for prevention. Two areas of special focus include the supply of drugs and medical equipment, and informal economic

activities of health providers. These areas account for large losses in resources and have direct effects on health by reducing quality of care and access to services, especially for the poor.

Corruption in drug and equipment supply includes unethical promotion affecting registration and selection of drugs; bribes and bid rigging during procurement; and diversion of health commodities and budgets. In addition to overall reforms of government procurement, approaches for preventing corruption include promotion of essential drug lists; enforceable codes of ethics for drug marketing; better market intelligence and competitive systems for procurement; and indicator-based monitoring to promote accountability.

Corruption affecting provider-patient interactions includes under-the-table payments, absenteeism, private practice in public facilities, and pocketing of official fee revenue. Approaches for prevention discussed in the paper include encouraging private alternatives to care; legalizing user charges; changes in provider payment systems and performance-based financing.

Preventing corruption in the health sector should be linked with overall anti-corruption strategies at the national level. It will also be important to build commitment by demonstrating how reducing corruption can result in better health outcomes, improved quality and expanded access. Attached paper concludes with an agenda for further research, please have a look to it, you will find very interesting in order to prevent corruption in health sector.

Best Regards

Mohammad Bashaar

From: Dr. Smita Mali <smt_mali (DOT) co.in>Subject: Welcome Dr. Bashaarnetrumgroups (DOT) comDate: Wednesday, March 4, 2009, 5:10 PM

Hello NetRUMians,

After a break of three days to regular discussion, our series will begin again from tomorrow. A discussion will run from 05-10 Mar: on "Good governance in health sector" which will be moderated by Dr Mohammad Bashaar.

I welcome Dr Mohammad Bashaar to the forum on behalf of NetRUM. Welcome sir, please take the charge as per schedule.

NetRUM is open to other posts related to RUM till discussion begins.

Dr. Smita Mali

NetRUM Groupie.