1. UHC: Considerations in Designing Medicines Benefits Policies and Programs workshop Thoughts & Lessons learnt: Malawi participants September 30

2. Presentation outline Current situation Lessons learnt Next steps

3. Current situation Free health care services at all public health facilities Malawi has – an essential health package – Health Sector Strategic plan 2011 -2015 – National Medicines policies (final draft) – Essential Medicines List and Standard Treatment Guidelines ( final stage of revision)

4. Lessons learnt…I Increasing recognition for UHC UHC is beyond physical access, financial and therapeutic considerations are key UHC requires multi-stakeholder approach beyond MoH Medicines account for a substantial proportion of health expenditure

5. Lessons learnt…II HMIS and LMIS data are critical for decision making in designing medicines benefits policies and programs UHC is the hallmark of a well functioning health system UHC is not all about increased resource allocation but holistic approach to increase efficiency in the health sector

6. Next steps Share lessons learnt with MoH senior management and colleagues Align existing health programs with UHC and medicines benefits concept Incorporate UHC concept into strategies and policies Stimulate discussions and partnerships for UHC and medicines benefits program