Mongolian Health Sector Strategic Master Plan (2006‐2015): A foundation for achieving universal health coverage

• Published in: The International journal of health planning and management Vol. 34; no. 1; pp. e314 - e326
• Main Authors: Erdenee, Oyunchimeg, Narula, Indermohan S., Yamazaki, Chiho, Kameo, Satomi, Koyama, Hiroshi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.01.2019
• Subjects: Critical point; Delivery of Health Care - organization & administration; Developing countries; framework analysis; Health care; Health Planning - organization & administration; health sector; Healthcare Financing; Income; LDCs; master plan; Mongolia; National health insurance; Quality of Health Care; Reforming; Staff Development; universal health coverage; Universal Health Insurance; Mongolia; master plan; health sector; Mongolia; framework analysis; universal health coverage
• ISSN: 0749-6753; 1099-1751
• DOI: 10.1002/hpm.2651

Summary Nearly half of the countries in the world are in the process of reforming and strengthening their health care systems. More recently, even low‐income and middle‐income countries such as Mongolia have focused increasing attention on achieving universal health coverage (UHC). At this critical point, it is necessary to track recent progress and adjust health care strategies and planning. Therefore, this study analyzed changes in the health sector toward achieving UHC based on relevant literature, government documents, and framework analysis. We also investigated how basic principles of UHC were incorporated and reflected in Mongolia's Health Sector Strategic Master Plan. This study clarified the achievements of and challenges facing the health sector that remain or emerged during the plan's implementation over the last decade. Furthermore, all of the reviewed Master Plan strategies were underpinned by basic principles of UHC. However, strategies set out in the next Master Plan will require adjustments and innovative measures to respond to current challenges. This study may be used as a reference for other developing countries to track UHC achievements and serve as a guide to establishing a nation‐wide strategic plan.