Understanding the implication of direct health facility financing on health commodities availability in Tanzania

Bibliographic Data

ID19592235
AuthorsGeorge M Ruhago (0000-0001-7469-7822, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, corresponding author), Michael B John (0000-0001-6710-6326, Management and Development for Health, corresponding author), Frida N Ngalesoni, Frida Ngalesoni (Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, corresponding author), Daudi Msasi (Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, corresponding author), Ntuli Kapologwe (0000-0003-0900-2937, Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, corresponding author), James Tumaini Kengia (0000-0002-2384-4586, Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, corresponding author), Elias M Bukundi (0000-0002-7374-7688, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, corresponding author), Regina Ndakidemi (corresponding author), Mavere A Tukai (Management and Development for Health, corresponding author)
EditorsCynthia Chen (0000-0002-1947-8069)
Year2023
Volume3
Issue5
Pagese0001867
Publication date2023-05-08
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenuePLOS Global Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2767-3375 • E-ISSN: 2767-3375
PublisherPublic Library of Science (PLoS) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1371/journal.pgph.0001867
PMID37155608
OpenAlexW4375955917
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited9

The Government of Tanzania (GoT) has in the last decade made progress in strengthening the health system financing with progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The major reforms includes development of the health financing strategy, reforming the Community Health Fund (CHF) and introduction of the Direct Health Facility Financing (DHFF). DHFF was introduced in all district councils in the 2017/18 financial year. One of the anticipated goals of DHFF is to improve availability of health commodities. The objective of this study is to assess the effect of DHFF in improving the availability of health commodities in primary health care facilities. This study employed cross sectional study design, using quantitative techniques to analyze data related to expenditures and availability of health commodities at the primary health care facilities in Tanzania mainland. Secondary data was extracted from Electronic Logistics Management Information System (eLMIS) and Facility Financial Accounting and Reporting System (FFARS). Descriptive analysis was used to summarize the data using Microsoft Excel (2021) and inferential analysis was done using Stata SE 16.1. There has been an increase in allocation of funds for health commodities over the past three years. The Health Basket Funds (HBFs) accounted for an average of 50% of all health commodities expenditures. The complimentary funds (user fees and insurance) contributed about 20%, which is less than the 50% required by the cost sharing guideline. There is potentiality in DHFF improving visibility and tracking of health commodities funding. Implementation of DHFF has increased the amount of funding for health commodities at health facilities. The visibility and tracking of health commodity funding has improved. There is a scope of increasing health commodity funds at health facilities since the expenditures on health commodities is lower than what is indicated in the cost sharing collection and use guideline

Business · Community health · Economic growth · Economics · Environmental health · Health care · Health facility · Health services · Socioeconomics · Tanzania · Global Health Care Issues · Global Maternal and Child Health · Healthcare Systems and Reforms · Medicine · Finance