Project Management in Health Sector Reform
Transformation of the health sector is a complex undertaking that attempts to realize goals and objectives through the development of “people” and “systems” and the extensive use of expert assistance and appropriate coaching and knowledge transfer. RMC provides Technical Assistance to support the Project Office with project management, procurement and financial management.
RMC offers broad international experience in complex sector-wide reform, working with both Ministry of Health and autonomous bodies (RHAs) under corporate governance. To realize positive outcomes, the process used to implement reforms is as important as the objectives of the reform itself.
RMC’s approach engages key stakeholders in the development and communication of solutions to implement sector reform. RMC seeks to develop recommendations that are rational, achievable and practical within the local context. We conduct our work in a transparent manner to achieve mutual understanding and maximum effectiveness, soliciting views and opinions of the Client and relevant stakeholders.
People
Knowledge transfer is a key ingredient to ultimate success and is implemented through a collaborative process with local counterpart staff. We recommend the set-up of an ad hoc work group of experts to provide appropriate advice and guidance on coordination mechanisms, and the design and implementation of a Plan of Action.
Systems
To improve programme and management effectiveness and accountability and results, RMC consultants implement Results-Based Management.
Our experience with health reform projects has led to a particular expertise in project management systems. Two elements of project management of particular relevance to a successful Project Office are:
RMC’s Project Experience:
- Trinidad & Tobago 1999-2005
As part of the US$134 million IDB funded Health Sector Reform Programme, RMC was retained by the MOH of Trinidad & Tobago to assist the Project Administration Unit with selection of appropriate consultants, evaluation of their work and administration of their contracts. Involvement encompassed approximately 90 technical assistance projects, including:
- Reform of the Ministry of Health
- Devolution of Service Delivery to Regional Health Authority
- Primary Health Care Development, Promotion & Training
- Rationalizing of Health Service Delivery
- Development of a Comprehensive Financing System and knowledge transfer of skills and systems to the MOH and RHAs.
- Albania 1999-2001
Retained to provide financial management and procurement advisory services to the Albania Ministry of Health, PCU on a US$28 million World Bank funded (US$17 mil) Health Systems Recovery and Development Project dealing with objectives governing three components: (1) National Capacity Building, (2) Governance and Management of the Health System in Tirana Region, and (3) Tirana Regional Health System Delivery. Project Objectives:
- Rationalize and strengthen governance structure and management capacity at national and regional levels
- Improve effectiveness and quality of health service delivery in Tirana Region by upgrading selected health facilities as part of regional health system. Proposed project to build on initial achievements and lessons learned by expanding geographic scope of infrastructure rehabilitation and by supporting the institutionalization of techniques to improve service delivery qualit
- Hungary 1996-1997
RMC was retained by the Hungarian Ministry of Health, World Bank supported Project Management Unit to provide assistance in financial management and procurement on a Health Healthy Nutrition Project.
- Georgia Ministry of Health 1996-1997
Financial management and procurement advisory services to the Georgia Ministry of Health, Project Coordination Unit, on a World Bank funded project dealing with health systems, human resources, health financing and rehabilitation of health facilities.
- Estonia Ministry of Social Affairs 1995-1996
RMC assisted the Health Project Coordination Unit, Estonia Ministry of Social Affairs in managing a World Bank funded project. Significant areas of involvement included: staff training and support in accounting and administration; development of procurement systems and procedures; actual procurement of goods and services, and; financial management of the construction of the Biomedical and Health Sciences Complex.
- Health Project, Poland Ministry of Health (1992-1996)
Provision of advisory services, in procurement and financial management, to the Poland Ministry of Health for the US$135 million World Bank funded Poland Health Project. Emphasis of the Project is on health promotion; primary health care, health management training, pharmaceutical monitoring, and; materials and equipment management.
The by-product of RMC’s involvement in project management was the development of an Integrated Project Management and Control System addressing the needs of both the Client and the funding agency in a cost-effective manner.
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