Mongolian Health Sector Strategic Master Plan (2006‐2015): A foundation for achieving universal health coverage

Abstract

Nearly half of the countries in the world are in the process of reforming and strengthening their health care systems. More recently, even low-income and middle-income countries such as Mongolia have focused increasing attention on achieving universal health coverage (UHC). At this critical point, it is necessary to track recent progress and adjust health care strategies and planning. Therefore, this study analyzed changes in the health sector toward achieving UHC based on relevant literature, government documents, and framework analysis. We also investigated how basic principles of UHC were incorporated and reflected in Mongolia's Health Sector Strategic Master Plan. This study clarified the achievements of and challenges facing the health sector that remain or emerged during the plan's implementation over the last decade. Furthermore, all of the reviewed Master Plan strategies were underpinned by basic principles of UHC. However, strategies set out in the next Master Plan will require adjustments and innovative measures to respond to current challenges. This study may be used as a reference for other developing countries to track UHC achievements and serve as a guide to establishing a nation-wide strategic plan.

Participation of delivering private hospital services in universal health coverage: A systematic scoping review of the developing countries' evidence

“…About quality , although the evidence pointed to the heterogeneous effects of DPHS in achieving this goal, it has positive effects on structure (infrastructure and technology) and delivery (accountability) dimensions of quality. [ 47 ] In addition to these dimensions, the data from Iran, China, Vietnam, and India[ 37 55 56 ] confirmed the finding that the quality of DPHS in most countries, particularly LMICs, is suboptimal. [ 20 ]…”

“…Coverage of 12% of the overall geographical context by India[ 17 44 45 46 ] might indicate that as this country has almost a fifth of the world's population, naturally, a high number of records arise from very diverse health needs based on its cultural, socio-economic, and ethnic diversity. [ 44 ] Despite the high frequency in India, a large number of codes in response to research questions regarding population, and concept, came up from Mongolia, due to its three articles[ 47 48 49 ] that were exactly concerned with the role of PHS in UHC. The growing body of evidence in recent years might indicate that a considerable tendency in evidence production was initiated about some locations as follows: LMICs, China, and Mongolia.…”

Crowding-Out Effect of Out-of-Pocket Health Expenditures on Consumption Among Households in Mongolia

“…Higher-income countries have already achieved UHC, including Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. 15 The first countries in Asia to achieve UHC with relatively equitable access to affordable care were Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, 16 with Taiwan using its National Health Insurance system as the basis for a shift to true universality. 35 However, gaps in coverage are common in LMICs and can only be met by OOP payments, 7 general taxation, or private health insurance (PHI).…”

“…Like other developing countries, Mongolia's health financing reforms are guided by the UHC aim to reduce inequality and expand financial protection. [12][13][14] Three main options are used in Mongolia to finance national healthcare expenditures, namely state budgets, insurance contributions, and direct OOP health payments 15 by households, as in other low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). 16,17 Mongolia's Healthcare System Before 1990, Mongolia had a Semashko-style centralized healthcare system, 18 where the government was wholly in charge of health service delivery and financing.…”

“…Like other developing countries, Mongolia’s health financing reforms are guided by the UHC aim to reduce inequality and expand financial protection. 12 - 14 Three main options are used in Mongolia to finance national healthcare expenditures, namely state budgets, insurance contributions, and direct OOP health payments 15 by households, as in other low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). 16 , 17 …”