1 KARAGWE DISTRICT COUNCIL Funding drug gaps by using CHF By Dr Ruta Thomas

2 Outline 1.Introduction 2.Community Health Fund 3.Drug Revolving Fund 4.Challenges 5.Way forward

3 Introduction Karagwe is one of the districts in Kagera region It is served by a total of 52 health facilities of which 36 are owned by the council others are under ownership of Faith based organizations All council owned facilities are receiving drugs from the government through Medical Stores Department (MSD) under Indent system Despite of indent system there is insufficient drug supply due to either missing of essential items at MSD and/or delay of supplies from MSD

4 Community Health Fund CHF started in January 2007 –CHF contribution is 15000/- per household –User fee is 1000/= at dispensaries and 1500/= at health centre level Each beneficiary is issued a card that enables her/him to access health services at all council owned facilities Health staff have been trained on financial management

5 Drug Revolving Fund (DRF) Now on process to establish DRF Note: Health financing and DRF are among the components of PHC project which is supported by Belgian Government- they are interdependent DRF aims at addressing availability of essential drugs and supplies at the district level DRF will be purchasing drugs from MSD and other suppliers as per government regulations Initial stocks of drugs will be purchased using funds from the donor

6 DRF continues, Health facilities will procure supplementary drugs from DRF by using funds which are collected through user fee and CHF –The procurement will be initiated the health facility committee and approved by Council

7 DRF-current situation Health staffs have been trained on rational drug use Recruitment of key staff: Pharmacist and Accountant Building financial capacity of the ‘customer’ (health facility) through user fee and CHF Construction of a standard district drug store is now on final stages

8 District Drug store-under construction

9 Challenges Inadequate number qualified staff –But the government has approved employment of 151 health staffs of different cadres for 2006/2007 financial year Low enrolment to CHF –?timing: (January) –Non-involvement faith based health facilities in CHF –The contribution

10 Way forward Completion of drug store The MOHSW is requested to post staff Negotiation with: – SACCOS: to pay for their members –Faith based organizations, etc Conducting another sensitization for the period starting in July: still under discussion

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