Introduction
Efforts to strengthen health systems have become one of the greatest concerns for world health organization. Despite adoption of complex technologies to cure diseases, better results are yet to be observed. Massive deaths and many diseases affecting people would not be seen if health systems are properly matched with skilled interventions to achieve quality healthcare. Unless action is taken to address the performance of health systems, world health goals may not be accomplished even if the right drugs and better vaccines are available (World Health Organization, 2007). An excellent indicator of performance of health systems is how they influence health outcome in the society. For instance, maternal deaths have remained high even with efforts to reverse the trend more than two decades because many women are yet to access professional attendants as they give birth.
Building blocks of well-functioning health system
For health systems to be effective, they must be matched with the right workers with relevant skills. In addition, they must be inclusive, fair and sustainable so that the price of health care does not increase unreasonably. This paper proposes the action to be taken as well as the building blocks to better utilization of health systems by policy makers across the world to achieve quality healthcare. Governments and non-governmental organizations need to strengthen the functionality of health systems to transform the world. A clear definition of health systems is critical as well as communicating the need for investing heavily on this area. The key aspects that make up a complete and effective health system include; dedicated health workforce, efficient service delivery, access to relevant information, powerful medical products, technology and vaccines, prudent financing as well as good leadership and governance. These are the building blocks upon which efficient and effective health systems are based on (World Health Organization, 2007).
Service delivery
Quality health services are the ones which ensure effective and safe care to those who are in need with less wastage. The manner in which services and inputs are organized matters in ensuring continuous quality service delivery. World health organization has suggested innovative interventions such as incorporating private service providers in treatment of illnesses such as TB taking into account that countries differ in resources endowment and health systems. Integrated models that disseminate cost friendly information for treatment and prevention, coverage and quality of services are necessary. Other models meant for delivering services under any circumstances and settings will be useful in enhancing service delivery (Waldman, & Shepherd, 2011). Further, focusing on safety of patients by adopting procedures geared towards improving safety will be an important aspect of enhancing service delivery. Ensuring quality service delivery also includes influencing people to demand for healthcare using the media to persuade them.
Health workforce
Health workforce consists of service providers in the health sector both the private and public who are committed to protecting and improving health. There is a need to manage the diverse and dynamic health workforce to address challenges associated with exiting and entry into the health sector. In addition, there will be a need to set realistic strategies to address issues affecting workforce among those who are geared towards improving quality of their services. World health organization should address regional and international advocacy to manage migration and facilitate better understanding of implications of working in international markets (Healy, 2011).
Information
Dissemination, generation and use of strategic information in healthcare are an important aspect of improving performance of health systems. A national information system will help in constructive collaboration of health system and avoid issues such as parallel reporting. A good information system will allow easy access to global information such as that stored in world health organization database and use it where necessary.
Medical vaccines, products and technologies
Sustainable financing as well as social protection
Leadership and governance
Good leadership and governance should be embraced for health systems to function well. With the changing societies, decentralization of power, rise of pluralistic society and the expanding private sector, leadership and governance in the health system has become sophisticated. Governments should establish regulatory bodies to oversee health systems and make laws, set standards, policies and guidelines to regulate health systems. In addition, governments should promote accountability by conducting audits and continuously monitoring health systems. Thus, working with partners will help governments in promoting alignment and harmonization with the existing policies in the health systems.
Conclusion
Hence, in order to keep up the health systems from breaking down it is essential to work on the strategies, keeping in consideration the key aspects to be followed as to maintain the standard quality of the services. Together with the cooperation of the government and awareness among the society it will be possible to bring out the best in the health systems to face any confrontation that may arise. Thus, it would result in the achievement of the goals of meeting the challenges with ease and minimizing illnesses affecting the people.
References
Docteur, E. (2004). Towards high-performing health systems. Paris, OECD.
Healy, J. (2011). Improving health care safety and quality reluctant regulators. Farnham, Surrey, Ashgate.http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&scope=site&db=nlebk&db=nlabk&AN=390073.
Mckee, M., & Figueras, J. (2012). Health systems, health, wealth and societal well-being assessing the case for investing in health systems. Maidenhead, Berkshire, Open University Press. http://public.eblib.com/choice/publicfullrecord.aspx?p=863794.
Waldman, R., & Shepherd-Banigan, M. (2011). Rebuilding and strengthening health systems and providing basic health services in fragile states. Disasters. 35, 639-660.
World Health Organization. (2007). Everybody's business: strengthening health systems to improve health outcomes : WHO's framework for action. Geneva, World Health Organization.
