Progressing towards Universal Health Coverage in Moldova
Switzerland supports Moldova’s efforts to achieve better health of the population, through ensuring universal access to affordable medical services of good quality. In its 2nd (exit) phase, the project will accompany the health authorities in advancing health financing and service delivery reforms, improving the efficiency and responsiveness of the healthcare system, promoting transparency and accountability in the health sector, and empowering service users and civil society organizations to oversee healthcare services, their quality and resource allocation.
Country/region | Topic | Period | Budget |
---|---|---|---|
Moldova |
Health
Health systems strengthening
Medical services |
01.05.2024
- 30.06.2027 |
CHF 3’555’000
|
- Enhancing the capacities of the health authorities in evidence-based policy- and decision-making, addressing the inadequate distribution of resources (financial, human, etc.) in the health sector, fragmentation of services, and limited access to affordable and good quality healthcare, esp. for vulnerable groups and in underserved areas.
- Scaling up to national level and institutionalization of social accountability tools and mechanisms in healthcare institutions; increased awareness and engagement of the civil society and service-users / patients across the country in promoting transparency and accountability in the health sector.
- Swiss Red Cross
- World Bank - International Bank for Reconstruction and Development
- Health consultant hired to directly support the Ministry of Health (to be selected)
-
Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation HEALTH
HEALTH
Sub-Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation Health policy and administrative management
Medical services
Cross-cutting topics The project also supports partner organisation improvements
Aid Type Mandate with fiduciary funds
Mandate without fiduciary fund
Project and programme contribution
Project number 7F09461
Background | Switzerland contributed to significant improvements in Moldova's healthcare system over the past two decades. Nevertheless, numerous challenges and structural weaknesses persist, incl. fragmentation of services combined with inadequate distribution of resources; concentration of human and technical capacities in the capital, leading to limited access to quality healthcare services in remote and rural areas; weak cross-sectoral cooperation (health, social, labour, etc.); low health literacy among the population; etc. Despite an increase in mandatory health insurance’s coverage, people in Moldova still face important health-related financial risks; accessing affordable healthcare services of good quality is especially difficult for vulnerable groups. The health sector is perceived by the population as being one of the most corrupt, with most common and visible forms of corruption being related to service delivery. |
Objectives | Moldovan population enjoys quality healthcare with adequate financial protection. |
Target groups |
Target group/s: Final beneficiaries: |
Medium-term outcomes |
Outcome 1: Moldovan health authorities implement health sector reforms to ensure sustainable, effective and efficient distribution of resources and demand-oriented services in healthcare for all, including vulnerable population and underserved areas. Outcome 2: Service users and civil society (NGOs, patients’ associations, etc.) promote and demand social accountability in the healthcare sector. |
Results |
Expected results: Results from previous phases: Despite huge pressure on the health sector caused by the Covid-19 pandemics and the high number of Ukrainian refugees fleeing their country due to the Russian aggression, the first (extended) phase of the project brought notable results. Health sector authorities received support to carry out various assessments and evaluations and collect robust relevant evidence for decision-making on i) improving the health service delivery and performance, ii) aligning financial allocations with performance and population health needs. Critical steps have been taken towards the institutionalization of evidence-based health financing mechanisms and tools. Different social accountability and quality improvement instruments and mechanisms have been piloted in six health institutions (hospitals and Primary Health Care centres) in the Northern districts of Moldova. The project also contributed to increased awareness among the population and key public agencies about patients’ rights and accountability in the health sector. |
Directorate/federal office responsible |
SDC |
Credit area |
Swiss cooperation with Eastern Europe |
Project partners |
Contract partner International Financial Institution (IFI) Swiss Non-profit Organisation |
Coordination with other projects and actors | The project complements and creates synergies with other ongoing interventions of the Swiss Health portfolio in Moldova, in particular in view of fostering inter-sectorial collaboration, evidence-based financing of health services, and strengthening the referral system between various healthcare and social services. The project also paves the way for a new Swiss-supported intervention planned to start in 2024, focused on the reform of emergency healthcare and rehabilitation services. |
Budget | Current phase Swiss budget CHF 3’555’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF 800’000 Total project since first phase Swiss budget CHF 5’024’000 Budget inclusive project partner CHF 8’579’000 |
Project phases | Phase 2 01.05.2024 - 30.06.2027 (Current phase) Phase 1 01.11.2017 - 30.04.2024 (Completed) |