PRIVATE STAKEHOLDERS’ PERCEPTION ON LEVERAGING PROVIDER PAYMENT METHODS FOR BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS TO HELP MEET NATIONAL HEALTH GOALS IN MYANMAR

Abstract

Myanmar has committed to achieving universal health coverage (UHC) by 2030. With a poor economy and scarce resource, the government alone cannot achieve UHC without the collaboration of private stakeholders which has an increasing role in the health sector with evolving political and administrative circumstances. To uplift equitable access to essential quality health care services with financial risk protection and efficiency, the country is eager to know a suitable mix of provider payment methods which can be used as key levers to support achieving UHC goals. This study is designed to explore the private stakeholders’ perception on leveraging provider payment systems to help meet national health goals in Myanmar. 23 key informant interviews were conducted with private stakeholders including private hospitals, general practitioners, ethnic health organizations, non-government organizations, civil society organizations and other public health professionals in Myanmar, using a guideline question. After analysis, the result showed that Myanmar is still using traditional passive purchasing methods, i.e. line-item budget and unregulated fee for service in both public and private sectors, which cannot produce explicit incentives for desired provider behavior towards aspired national health goals. The results of this study provided an empirical basis for policy-makers in Myanmar to assess the perception of private stakeholders on different provider payment reform options and make decisions about a mix of payment methods to help meet national health goals in Myanmar according to the roadmap of National Health Plan.