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Table 3 Strengths and weaknesses in the SHP function of goods and services to purchase

From: Supporting strategic health purchasing: a case study of annual health budgets from general tax revenue and social health insurance in Abia state, Nigeria

State budgetary allocation for health

State Social Health Insurance Scheme

Strengths include existence of

- Explicit minimum service package which was revised in 2018

- Essential medicines list and generics-only policy

- Referral guidelines

- Service delivery and quality standards

Weaknesses include lack of

- Implementation of gate-keeping

- Transparency to clients about entitlements and obligations

- Adherence to generics-only policy by health facilities

Strengths include existence of

- Explicit minimum service package which was revised in 2018

- Essential medicines list

- Mechanisms for systematic periodic review of MSP using evidence of disease burden

- Referral guidelines and gate-keeping policies

- Standard treatment guidelines and standards for the quality of care delivered

Weaknesses include lack of

- Incentives or disincentives to clients for compliance or non-compliance with the gate-keeping policy

- Incentives or disincentives to service providers for compliance or non-compliance with the referral guideline

Opportunities

Opportunities

Work with the SHIS to align on an evidence-informed and participatory process for review of the service package

Leverage already existing communication channels to inform beneficiaries of their entitlements and obligations

Align evidence-informed and participatory process for review of the service package with the MOH process

Threats

Threats

Direct access to higher level care and no adherence to generics-only policy can lead to unproductive cost escalation

Direct access to higher level care can lead to cost escalation resulting in financial unsustainability