Strategic options for financing health system modernization and development: what can Vietnam learn from international experiences? ? Report for Development Strategy Institute, Ministry of Planning and Investment, Hanoi.

Abstract

This study was commissioned by UNDP to inform the process of drafting the Vietnam SEDS, 2011- 20 and other health sectoral policies. It aims to highlight some of the main health financing challenges facing Vietnam and to draw on international literature to produce recommendations as to how the country should respond to them. The study was conducted in January to April 2011. It is based on a review of the literature for health financing in Vietnam and in selected neighbouring and comparable countries, as well as secondary data from Vietnam, key informant visits and one field trip to Vinh Phuc Province. It is structured along the lines of the four key health financing functions - i) revenue collection; ii) risk pooling; iii) purchasing; and iv) provision of services.