Gov’t launches integrated health approach

SOUTHERN PROVINCE HUYE — After successful application of an integrated health programme in Rwinkwavu Hospital, Eastern Province, the government has resolved to roll out the same programme in all districts, an official has said. The health system described as robust, comprehensive and integrated was first adopted in Rwinkwavu Hospital and four other pilot districts of Nyaruguru, Burera, Rubavu and Gatsibo. It is meant to reinforce district health systems in the country. It was supported by the Clinton Foundation and an organization called, Partners in Health. The new health model, a diversion from the vertical health programmes in rural areas, follows a holistic approach in health service delivery. Speaking during the launch of the planning phase in Huye district on Monday, Thomas Kisimbi, the Programme Manager in charge of rural health in the Clinton Foundation, described the new health framework as adoptable and flexible. He said, The new frame work introduces a robust, comprehensive health system that is multi-sectoral. The process is complementary to the existing policies as are laid out in government programmes. He likened the model to the government poverty eradication programme of Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS) and the Health Sector Support Project (HSSP) under the Ministry of Health. He explained that the new plan attempts to integrate existing programmes into one comprehensive plan. The plan will help in coordinating and mapping out activities of different partners operating in districts. Using this approach, gaps existing in different health sectors will be identified so that resources can be mobilised to fill the gaps. According to Donatien Bajyanama, an official of the Ministry of Health, the programme operates under 10 principles. The new framework is based on principles to do with an integrated approach to treatment which addresses concerns like prevention, treatment, good service delivery, family planning and proper handling of medical reports to determine a patient’s medical history, said Bajyanama. The approach considers proper care for medicines, access to high quality medical services like medical insurance, infrastructure and provision of relevant equipment. Other areas of consideration include, provision of water and electricity to health facilities, community mobilisation and nutritional support. Districts in the Province with the help of experts from the Clinton Foundation will draw working plans after identifying the gaps in their health sectors which would be presented to the Ministry of Health and other partners to source for funding. The approach also provides for training of about 21, 000 health advisors in districts and sectors. The figure is expected to rise to over 40,000. In a keynote address to health officials in the Province, the Provincial Governor Fidele Ndayisaba stressed the importance of internalising government programmes like EDPRS and Vision 2020. As health practitioners, you should be in position to explain what such programmes mean to you in the health sector. It is not enough to recite these wonderfully made programmes but fail to find their relevance in our sectors of work, said Ndayisaba. He added that people should be educated about the intended programmes in order for them to play a role in the implementation process. Ndayisaba noted that enrolment into the Universal medical insurance scheme Mutuelle de sante is mandatory and that soon a crackdown on defaulters would be carried out. Ends