Towards the implementation of the first National Health Policy in Tunisia
More details
Hide details
1
Studies and Planning Directorate, Ministry of Health, Tunisia
2
Ministry of Health, Tunisia
Publication date: 2023-04-27
Popul. Med. 2023;5(Supplement):A1817
ABSTRACT
Introduction: For the first time in Tunisia, all health system actors highlighted the problems related to health and social equity. In response to that, the Societal Dialogue for health system produced the first National Health Policy (NHP) that was officially adopted by the government in 2021. Currently, the Ministry of health is leading the operationalization process of this policy. Our objective was to present this process and its state of progress. Methods: The operationalization process of the NHP is a strategic planning process based on a results-based management approach. Four working groups, which included the main stakeholders, treated the four main reforms identified: (i) primary healthcare services (ii) health insurance (iii) hospital sector and (iv) health system governance. Deep problems analysis was conducted to set the appropriate results and find realistic solutions. Results: This work provided a coherent framework with three types of results: (i) the impact that aims to improve health and well-being for all, (ii) the outcomes based on the universal health coverage dimensions (essential health services, protection against catastrophic expenditure), citizen satisfaction, health in all policies, and health security and (iii) the outputs based on health services accessibility and quality, effective demand of users and health system resilience. Strategic focus areas were then classified according to the seven pillars of the health system. In each area, intermediate results and strategic activities were identified. Conclusions: Post COVID-19, the HNP 2030 is an important opportunity to improve the Tunisian health system and a major effort towards achieving universal health coverage. These results will be discussed and finalized during regional meetings with citizens and health professionals to keep the same participatory approach of the societal dialogue, key to the success of this policy and a model for several countries in the world.