Health sector reform brings fundamental changes that affect ministries of health, the civil service, and the organizations responsible for managing and delivering health services. Commonly, the central ministry of health takes up a regulatory and normative role, and gives up its prior role as the primary service provider. With the ministry no longer employing all public sector health workers, new types of employers emerge, such as local governments and health boards. New employment practices are introduced, particularly when health sector reform is accompanied by civil service reform. Civil service gives way to contract-based employment, and new performance-based payment systems and part-time employment may be introduced.
While health sector reform is sweeping the developing world, its wider implications for human resources have largely been ignored. This presentation identifies the key functions for which the central government of a country undergoing health sector reform must take responsibility in order to develop and maintain a competent and well-balanced health work force. These human resource functions are discussed under the headings of human resource policy and planning, training, personnel policy and practice, and performance management. A distinction is made between central-level functions that are essential for retaining and improving staffing in the public sector, and those functions that the central government should execute regardless of who the employing authority is. Specific examples are provided to illustrate the importance of adequate attention to these issues.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the presentation, the participant will be able to: 1. identify the key human resource functions for which the central government of a country undergoing health sector reform must take responsibility, and 2. give examples of the impact of health sector reform on human resource development and retention
Keywords: Health Reform, Workforce
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.