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.

Pays/région Thème Période Budget
Moldova
Santé
Renforcement des systèmes de santé
Services médicaux
01.05.2024 - 30.06.2027
CHF  3’555’000
Contexte 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.
Objectifs Moldovan population enjoys quality healthcare with adequate financial protection.
Groupes cibles

Target group/s:
Health authorities (Ministry of Health, National Health Insurance Company, National Agency of Public Health and Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices), State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, medical / healthcare institutions and healthcare professionals involved in the provision of services at all levels; civil society organizations (NGOs, patients’ groups, youth groups, etc.).

Final beneficiaries:
Health service-users, incl. those most vulnerable (elderly, poor, people with disabilities, refugees, inhabitants of rural and remote areas) whose access to affordable quality service is more limited and who are more prone to catastrophic health expenditures.

Effets à moyen terme

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.

Résultats

Principaux résultats attendus:  

  • 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.


Principaux résultats antérieurs:   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.


Direction/office fédéral responsable DDC
Crédit Coopération avec l'Europe de l'Est
Partenaire de projet Partenaire contractuel
Institution financière internationale (IFI)
Organisation suisse à but non lucratif
  • Croix-Rouge Suisse
  • Banque Mondiale - Banque internationale pour la reconstruction et le développement
  • Health consultant hired to directly support the Ministry of Health (to be selected)


Coordination avec d'autres projets et acteurs 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 Phase en cours Budget de la Suisse CHF    3’555’000 Budget suisse déjà attribué CHF    800’000 Projet total depuis la première phase Budget de la Suisse CHF   5’024’000 Budget y compris partenaires de projet CHF   8’579’000
Phases du projet Phase 2 01.05.2024 - 30.06.2027   (Phase en cours) Phase 1 01.11.2017 - 30.04.2024   (Completed)