The devolution debate in Pakistan has raised a variety of important issues for the health system. There appears to be a clear consensus in Pakistan that devolution to the provinces is an important advance but it has created several problems that suggest the need for some central agency to address national health issues. There are no ideal types of decentralization and each country needs to select the model that is most appropriate and politically feasible for its situation. Nevertheless, it is likely that a review of international experience in Canada where considerable devolution to the provinces might hold some lessons that would address some of the problems. One of the important lessons is that a well-structured central health ministry at the federal level with clearly defined functions can be an effective coordinator of both provincial and national interests. Secondly, it show that an agreement on principles for health benefits that are supported by federal funds can make for a more equitable health system coverage while respecting provincial priorities. The Forum of Federations http://www.forumfed.org is currently preparing a review of federal experiences in selected countries around the world. Its reports next year should provide additional lessons from other countries that can inform Pakistan policy on decentralization.
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Thomas Bossert, Ph.D.
Director International Health Systems Program
Harvard School of Public Health
Thomas Bossert says
I want to add my congratulations to those mentioned in the blog and in the news item. The consolidation of federal health functions in the revised Division is certainly an important and welcome reform that overcomes some of the difficulties created by the fragmentation of functions at the center. Now comes the more difficult task of strengthening the capacities of provincial authorities so that the devolution can achieve its broad purpose of improving the performance of the health systems throughout Pakistan. I only hope that the new democratically elected government will support the multiple efforts necessary to improve the health status, reduce financial risk of illnesses, and improve citizen satisfaction with the health system.
Mariam M says
Thank you for your excellent insights Dr. Bossert. You would be quite impressed by the recent developments in Pakistan health structure. Details are in the following link from The News Pakistani newspaper: http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-2-175715-PM-consolidates-health-functions-under-renamed-division
Mariam Malik says
Dear Dr. Bossert,
You would be quite impressed with the recent developments in the health structure of Pakistan as in the leading newspaper: http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-2-175715-PM-consolidates-health-functions-under-renamed-division