Ethiopia launches health sector transformation plan

Addis Ababa, March 28, 2016 (FBC) – Ministry of Health has launched today a five-year Health Sector Transformation Plan (HSTP) that aims at ensuring better and fair access to health services in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister Demeke Mekonnen.
During the launching of the HSTP from 2016-2020 and best performing hospitals recognition ceremony, Minister of Health Kesetebirhan Admassu said the plan would play a crucial role in sustaining the successful achievements of the past years.

The plan would also help to scale up the big performance gaps among regional states and zones, and create balance, he added.

According to the minister, the plan has four agendas, namely Healthcare quality, Woreda transformation, Data revolution, and Compassionate, respectful and caring health professionals.

The woreda transformation agenda envisions creating model kebeles, reaching 100% community-based health insurance, and making all health facilities in the woredas high-performing facilities.

A model kebele will have at least 80 percent of the families in the kebele that implements the health extension packages and be free from open defecation and home birth, it was indicated.

Deputy Prime Minister Demeke Mekonnen said on his part the public, private enterprises and stakeholders should contribute their share for the success of the implementation of the plan.

The deputy premier attributed the success in the health sector to the efforts exerted by the health army, health extension workers, development partners, and the general public.

It is, therefore, important to replicate the best practices of model health institutions in order to ensure quality and fair access to health services, he added.

During the occasion, 30 best performing hospitals in child and maternal health, clean and safe health facility (CASH) and implementation of health reform were awarded 100 million birr.

The top five winners received five million birr each and the remaining won three million birr each.